Patek Philippe SG50 Dome Table Clocks

To commemorate Singapore's 50th Anniversary of independence (SG50), Patek Philippe pays tribute by commissioning three unique pieces of their rare dome table clocks to be auctioned off tomorrow evening.  The proceeds will be fully donated to charitable as well as causes related to the promotion and preservation of arts and culture in Singapore.

The history of Patek Philippe is linked to Singapore.  In 1965, the year Singapore gained its independent nation status, Mr Philippe Stern traveled to Singapore in 1965 to develop the sales network.  After two decades, in 1987, Patek Philippe formed a local company, Geneva Master Time LLP, to handle the distribution of Patek Philippe watches in the South-East Asian region.  As the brand grows with Singapore from the old days till now, and to commemorate the momentous occasion, these three unique dome table clocks are created taking inspiration from Singapore’s past and present, its  flora and fauna, its culture and heritage and its iconic modern landscape.

Below are some snapshots of the 3 rare ( as Patek Philippe only makes 12 dome clocks per year) dome table clocks (with descriptions from the press release) ...


1) Ref. 1665M  “Peranakan Culture”  - Dome table clock in cloisonné enamel

This unique piece in cloisonné enamel pays tribute to the Peranakans, the Straits-born Chinese descended from the first immigrants to settle in former British crown colony of Malacca, Penang and Singapore. Its decoration draws on traditional motifs from their vibrantly coloured art that can be seen in their architectural elements such as tiles or windows.

To create the roses and geometric figures, the enameller outlined the design using more than 28 meters of gold wire (53.3 g) measuring 0.2 x 0.6 mm in cross-section, and filled the cells thus created with transparent, opaque and opalescent enamels in 14 colours. Each element required from 7 to 8 firings at temperatures of about 890°C. The hour circle, adorned with black-enameled Breguet numerals, frames a dial center handguilloched under translucent rose-pink enamel.

Cloisonné enamelling is a rare and ancient art form. It is used to create splendid multicoloured decorations. It consists of tracing the outline of the design in fine gold wire and then filling the cells formed by wire partitions with coloured enamel powders. These are vitrified by successful firings in a kiln.


Full proceeds from the auction of the “Peranakan Culture” dome table clock will be donated to The Peranakan Museum of Singapore.












2) 1675M “Farquhar Collection” - Dome table clock in cloisonné enamel

This unique piece was inspired by the celebrated “William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings”, a treasure-trove of 477 watercolours depicting plants and animals of Malacca and Singapore. The works were produced between 1819 and 1823 by Chinese artists at the request of William Farquhar, Singapore’s first Resident and Commandant at that time. A keen naturalist, Farquhar’s fascination with natural history resulted in important botanical and zoological discoveries in the Malay Peninsula and these drawings were important records in a period that pre-dated the invention of photography, and remain today valuable archives of a local biodiversity that is fast disappearing.

To convey all the beauty and wealth of detail of the drawings, which are equally prized for their scientific precision and their refined aesthetics, the enameller used transparent, opaque and opalescent enamels in 78 colours. Tracing the outlines required 32.55 meters (65.1 g) of gold wire measuring 0.2 mm wide. Each enameled element called for between 8 and 14 firings at temperatures of about 930°C.

The hour circle is adorned with black enameled Breguet numerals and frames a silver dial center guilloched under sand-coloured enamel. Height: 213.5 mm.


Full proceeds from the auction of the “Peranakan Culture” dome table clock will be donated to The National Museum of Singapore.










“William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings”








3) 1677M “The Esplanade – Singapore” - Dome table clock hand-guilloched under cloisonné enamel with silver leaf

This unique piece presents one of the most famous panoramic views of modern Singapore, taking in the familiar sights of the river and the distinctive architecture of the theatre. To reproduce the building’s geometric patterns in the sky, the artist delicately handguilloched the silver panels that form the dial and the body of the clock. Depicting the skyline and its towers required 6.25 meters of gold wire (12.5 g) measuring 0.2 mm wide, and some 20 enamel colours. Most of the colours were transparent, with a few opalescent tints and one opaque shade. Inclusions of silver leaf beneath the translucent enamel conjure up the glow of the fireworks, the glitter of the cityscape and the sparkle of light on water. Each enameled element called for some 11 firings at temperatures ranging from 810°C to 920°C.

The hour circle is adorned with black enameled Breguet numerals. Height: 213.5 mm.


Full proceeds from the auction of the “The Esplanade - Singapore” dome table clock will be donated to seed the “Heritage Cares” program for beneficiaries of Singapore Comchest to enjoy programs offered at the museums.












The dome table clock will be housed in the protective wooden case.


All the best for auction!!



Kong


Update :  For the auction results, please click here.

This message has been edited by Kong on 2015-09-23 11:46:53