FabR[Senior Patek Moderator]
26124
As for our Dome Clocks, a lesser-known but equally important part of Patek's Rare Handcraft production, eight clocks were created to celebrate the Tokyo Exhibit --- all unique pieces! Here's for you the stunning Ref. 20140M-001, "Calligraphy":
Jun 10, 2023,16:13 PM
Again from Patek's official material:
Dome table clock in cloisonné enamel enriched with miniature painting on enamel This unique piece in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel pays tribute to the noble art of Japanese calligraphy, particularly the tradition of inscribing these beautifully handwritten texts on an ornamental ground, possibly illustrating a poem.
To trace all the contours of the floral decoration, the enameller used about 33 m (~65 g) of gold wire measuring 0.20 x 0.60 mm in cross-section, cut into tiny segments and shaped by hand. The refined harmony of the colors called for a palette of translucent, opaque and opalescent enamels in 12 shades. Each enameled plate underwent from 9 to 13 firings, at temperatures ranging from 890ºC to 910ºC.
The letters were then inscribed in calligraphy by miniature painting on enamel in black, requiring 6 firings at a temperature of 760°C. An hour circle in natural white mother-of-pearl, its guilloche borders gilded with yellow gold, displays black transfer-printed numerals. It frames leaf-shaped hands, gilded with yellow gold and polished.
This piece is powered by the caliber 17’’’ PEND mechanical movement rewound by an electric motor.

A view from the top


An amazing detail!