Patek Philippe GTG: Record Breaking Collection

GLau · 2021-07-27T17:10:33Z

Explore a record-breaking Patek Philippe 'Rare Handcrafts' GTG, featuring 33 unique enamel and marquetry pieces, including a rare dome clock. Discover collector insights.

GLau

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

80 replies15524 views11 photos

GLau, a prominent member of the WatchProSite community, shares an extraordinary Patek Philippe 'Rare Handcrafts' collector gathering. His post highlights the increasing enthusiasm for these specialized events, showcasing a record-breaking 33 pieces, plus a notable 5711 green Nautilus. GLau's detailed account and stunning photography offer a rare glimpse into the world of Patek Philippe's most artistic and unique creations, emphasizing the passion and dedication required to collect such horological masterpieces.

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Theme was “rare handcrafts” and we hoped for 20 watches so that we could have more than the previous record of 19 pieces from the sports theme ( www.watchprosite.com

, which had beat the prior 18 watches from worldtime theme ( www.watchprosite.com

. Thanks to a new joiner, we had 33 pieces + the 5711 green GIANT ! 🤪

Yours truly, The Enamel Slave/Addict, has found my master, The Enamel KING 🤴 (who brought around half of the goodies) !

Each piece has its own personality and is truly “unique”.

IMO, The star ⭐️ that stole the show was the Dome Clock due to its artistry, the huge amount of enamel work done, and the story of how the owner tracked down this piece.

I have had the pleasure of studying a few dome clocks previously but was amazed at how great this one was.

The owner informed us that, unlike most others with cloissone enamel, this clock is made with miniature painting ! Very few used this technique. The other one he mentioned was the clock for Shakespeare. Originally when he found out about this Basel piece a few years ago, he requested it immediately but had to chase it down to an AD he never purchased from previously. Undeterred, he flew out to meet the AD half way around the globe and declared his eternal love for this clock. After a long discussion, he convinced the AD that he should be the worthy owner ! Such a beautiful love ❤️ story !

Would you go through all these hurdles to declare your horological life for a rare handcraft piece ? His efforts reminded me of how I declared my LOVE/LIFE for the Rousseau enamel lion 🦁 ( www.watchprosite.com

( recent media article talking about the 🦁 https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/five-collectors-hardest-finds

Uniting the Rousseau enamel sibling, lions 🦁🦁 and Jaguar 🐆: they roared the loudest 🤣

Two of these ☝️ engraving beauties attended the GTG

Other than the green GIANT, which piece do you like most and why ?

About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5711

The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5711/1A is a specific configuration within the Complications model line. This particular reference is identified by its serial number 5914840, with a movement number 6084863.

The watch is presented in a stainless steel case, indicated by the "/1A" suffix. No specific details regarding the crystal material or movement architecture are provided.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe Complications model in stainless steel. Its specific serial and movement numbers are documented for identification purposes.

Specifications

Caliber: 26-330 S C

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 40mm

Dial: Blue, White

Water Resist.: 120m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The 'Boccadasse' enamel dial is particularly rare, with only two publicly known examples, including one showcased at this GTG.
The gathering featured a unique Patek Philippe wristwatch, challenging readers to identify it among the rare handcrafts.
Patek Philippe's Rare Handcrafts exemplify the brand's commitment to preserving traditional artisanal techniques, a core aspect of its horological heritage.
The sheer quality and rarity of the pieces, especially the enamel dome clock and marquetry watch, are so exceptional that they could be considered for a future Patek Philippe exhibit.
The owner of the featured miniature painting enamel dome clock faced significant hurdles, including international travel and convincing an unfamiliar Authorized Dealer, to acquire this highly sought-after piece.
Miniature painting on enamel is an extraordinary and highly appreciated technique, as confirmed by another collector who owns a similar piece.

The Discussion

Clueless_Collector

Jul 27, 2021

Amazing collection, do you hire body guards for this, just wow...like a museum. I'm loss of words to think what is the favorite now...just drooling.

FabR

Jul 27, 2021

Obviously, one piece in particular attracted my attention (if I really have to choose!), also because Michael's is the only other "Boccadasse" besides mine whose existence is publicly known... Good group also of 5131s, of course, but many of those out-of-catalog Rare Handcrafts are totally other-worldly! ;-) Note also the existence of one *piece unique* (a wristwatch) in that group...can you identify it? You need to make a new GTG as soon as the 2021 distribution is completed (I see none of new

patrick_y

Jul 27, 2021

I don't know if the word EPIC is the right word. There are epic movies and then there are EPIC ones. Is there a word beyond EPIC?

mahesh

Jul 27, 2021

I'm sure you guys had a great time... I'm equally happy I don't see any Nautilus, which shows there are watch collectors & then there are connaisseurs ! thanks for sharing. Best, mahesh.,

PalmSprings

Jul 27, 2021

I wasn't expecting such a huge different between the 2 Lion dials. I prefer the one on the left, better drawn (the plant and leaves) and the colours used, way more vibrant.

Tchela1

Jul 27, 2021

Thank you for sharing!!!

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Patek Philippe GTG: Record Breaking Collection

About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5711

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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