Manufacture
Small-luxury-world provides an in-depth look at Patek Philippe's Rare Handcrafts showcased at Baselworld 2013, focusing on the intricate art of enameling. This post highlights Patek Philippe's dedication to preserving traditional artisanal skills, connecting historical references like the 2481 with contemporary pieces such as the 5077. Readers will gain appreciation for the unique artistry involved in these limited-edition and unique timepieces.
There are quite a few traditions in Geneva and Patek Philippe
is known for their dedicated preservation of
artisanal skills that have been
directly associated with horology for more than four centuries. Enameling is
one of them and at the end
of the 1940´s, few artists tried to resuscitate the art of enamel in Geneva.
Several gorgeous examples (pocket/wrist watches and more) can be found in the
Patek Philippe Museum.
Some of my all-time favorites are the tropical “Forét
Vierge” dials with reference 2481.
(Picture from the internet)
The cloisonné handmade enamel dial (especially on that kind
of level; see above) was and still is a
distinctive and unique piece of art. In
the past there have been only a few artists (in general for the
industry) and only
some of them got orders from Patek Philippe. Nothing changed, except the names
and the amount of artists – even less than in the past. When we talk about
outstanding pieces like this,
we always talk about unique pieces or (very) limited
editions.
In the vintage section reference 2481 and 2482 come to
mind, if we talk about “simple” watches only.
Today it is (quite often) the
reference 5077 (with caliber 240) which
comes with that kind of dial and
I would like to share some examples from
different set´s:
To choose one (piece or set) of them is probably a very
private or even intimate decision and
for sure not all of them fit to
everybody’s taste. For some it may be the “cherry on the cake”
when collecting
fine timepieces. Well, maybe I am one of them 
For me it
is always a real
pleasure to look at those in detail and I appreciate it a lot,
even when sometimes the motive
shown is not to my personal taste.
Also there have been some pocket watches (Ref. 982) on display, with (sometimes) mixed
techniques – e.g. enameling, engraving, marquetry.
Dome Table
Clocks have been on display as well and of course in different versions –
e.g. with
Baccarat crystal or cloisonné enamel.
So, what are your thoughts/impressions/favorites when it comes to rare handcrafts from Patek Philippe?
Oliver
The Patek Philippe reference 2481, introduced in the 1950s, is notable for its relatively generous case size for its era, earning it the moniker 'King Size.' This reference is recognized for its diverse range of dial executions, which include both standard configurations with Roman numerals or baton indexes, and highly prized examples featuring cloisonné enamel artistry. It represents a period of design exploration for Patek Philippe, offering a distinct aesthetic within their mid-century catalog.
The watch features a case typically crafted from 18k yellow gold, measuring 37mm in diameter, a dimension considered substantial at the time of its release. The case design is characterized by stepped lugs, adding a refined architectural detail. Powering the reference 2481 is the automatic caliber 27SC, a movement known for its central seconds complication. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and offers a water resistance of 30 meters.
For collectors, the reference 2481 is appealing due to its historical context as a larger-cased Patek Philippe from the 1950s and the variety of its dial designs. The cloisonné enamel dials, in particular, are highly sought after for their artistic merit and rarity. The reference demonstrates Patek Philippe's commitment to both mechanical excellence and decorative craftsmanship, making it a significant piece for those interested in mid-century horology and artisanal dial work.
I really appreciate these handcrafts (especially enamel dials) irrespective whether some of the designs suit my taste or not The amount of efforts, time and patience that go into making a dial suitable for a watch are just incredible They are really art pieces Thanks again for starting this thread !!
I like these watches and I appreciate the craftmanship But I would not wear them I love the 5131 but this is still a watch, a usefull timezone with a nice enamel part. Those 100% enamel dials with birds, fish, masks, indians, horses and all the others they already made ... like said: , huge appreciation ... but I can't imagine I would ever buy one
100%. Best, Kari
This thread is active on the Patek Philippe forum with 3 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
