Manufacture
GLau recounts a memorable visit to the Patek Philippe Maison in Shanghai, focusing on the exquisite Year of the Snake marquetry dial. His detailed observations underscore the exceptional artistry and craftsmanship involved in these limited-edition pieces, providing a collector's perspective on Patek Philippe's dedication to Métiers d'Art.
…on the marquetry dial of a Chinese zodiac watch !!
Following my previous posts on these Chinese zodiac series, recently I had a very memorable visit to the Maison.
I dropped by for a courtesy call with the manager of the Maison. Unexpectedly, I had the privilege of being invited to sit on the outside terrace for a pleasant coffee break on a sunny winter day.
Thereafter, I was browsing and saw the Year of the Snake watch and had to take a close look under the loupe.
After examining it for 5 minutes, I could not find a single seam for the 200+ pieces of wood used on the dial. It was one smooth picture. The quality of the artistry is just breath-taking !! The snake looks so so real !! It is amazing how anyone can choose 200+ pieces from 7 or 8 types of wood and placed them each so meticulously on a small circle.
Apparently only 4 sets with 4 watches to each set are produced annually. Previously, a buyer could only buy a full set but not any one piece. However, due to the fact that there were quick flips by buyers who sold the four watches separately in the gray market, each watch is now sold separately. With its limited production and a platinum dial, the price is justifiable (not that I can afford one though) given the amount of efforts put in to producing one, along with the luxury tax in China .
FYI, contrary to my previous post, there should be another 2 to 3 zodiacs left before this series has completed a full cycle. Will the dials now revert back to enamel, stay with marquetry, or change to something new (especially for this year which happens to be PP's 175th year anniversary) ??
After the visit and to my surprise, gifts were provided to me for my previous purchase and referrals!!
Well, they are:
Furthermore, they are ...
If you are ever in Shanghai, you should visit the Maison and get immersed in the comfort and friendliness of this place.
Gordon
to visit that place, but now it is on top of my list :-) I can imagine that you had lots of fun. Cordially, Oliver
... an amazing time enjoying the furniture, curtains, specially made crystal chandeliers from France, Spanish wall papers, etc., and let's not forget about learning more about PP watch allocation policy from the hospitable and knowledgeable Maison manager and her staff Next time I must have drinks at the bar upstairs in addition cappuccino !!
Marketery and enamel work are both fantastic. Patek really understand those 2 fields
I am very happy to read of the excellent service the PP Shanghai boutique has provided you. Lately there are lots of debates between brand boutiques and AD and here I can see a brand boutique showing great customer service and relationship management. The Shanghai maison looks fantstic. I will definitely wanna visit it when I am next in shanghai. Cheers Robin
GLau, Thank you for the report from a Shanghai with blue sky. In Beijing, I hear it is gloomy, smoggy, browny skies that certainly makes Shanghai more attractive a destination. The snake appears to be a reticulated python, which is remarkable as the art quality is good enough to depict a realistic species rather than a generic "snake". Regards, MTF
...........for the great report Gordon. Did they have any special complications in that weren't already sold?
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