Complications
Jay (Eire) explores the intricate art of marquetry dials at Patek Philippe, expressing profound admiration for the craftsmanship while critically examining the traditional design themes. His post, featuring insights from Patek Philippe's sole marquetry artisan, Jerome Boutteçon, sparks a discussion on the potential for contemporary designs to broaden the appeal of these rare handcrafts to a new generation of collectors.
For me the greatest of the rare handcraft skills. To see the craftsman in person, to see the process and speak about the steps involved just amazes me every time.
Unfortunately the designs and themes chosen by Patek for these dials are too traditional, old fashioned even, to appeal to a younger audience.
What would it be if Patek used these traditional skills to produce something contemporary?
Personally I believe there would be a huge audience for it and it would introduce these skills and the appreciation for these skills to a new (and younger) collector.
This was the second time I met Jerome Boutteçon. He is the sole craftsman at Patek working on the marquetry dials and has been doing so for 30 years I believe. He is still very passionate about his job, it’s evident when you speak with him.
He guided several of us through the use of the machine he uses to cut the various pieces of wood. The machine is essentially a foot operated saw; your foot pushing up and down on a pedal controls the speed / tempo of the saw.
The wood, which is usually stacked 8-10 pieces and separated by pieces of paper to ensure these really thin strips of wood do not shatter when cutting, is then directed by your hands to create the shape one intends to cut. Once cut, the prices are soaked in water to remove the paper.
Below is the result of my turn on the machine. You can see the size of the wood pieces. Small, but yet maybe 20 times larger than the piece Jerome had just cut right before me. Amazing.
I think he mentioned he was working on a sample dial for a black polish chicken next!
I am glad you enjoyed the show.
While the design is not for my taste, and that’s somewhat irrelevant as it’s not my watch, it does not distract in any way from my appreciation of the skill that goes into these dials. It’s my second time seeing this in person and I walk away each time so impressed by the skill.
What would be a good modern topic for a marquetry dial? It seems perfect for sepia-toned old timey subjects, nature and landscapes. Actually, I have a modern topic! One of the NASA Martian rovers in situ! A perfect sepia-toned modern scene!
First day set Here’s a sepia Martian Rover for your next Patek marquetry watch dial (omit the perforations). Cheers, Cazalea
contemporary marquetry dials ?
I saw marquetry creations from other brands, such as Jaeger Lecoultre, and I was also wondering why they kept such a traditional style for such an art. I admire the Art, the technique, I am less fan of the style. Something more modern would really interest me, a lot! Best, Nicolas
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