Patek Philippe

which one do you guys like more ? very different interpretation of the same motif between Patek (marquetry) and Ulysse (champlev) of the same Chinese zodiac...  

Stylistically and artistically, the UN is more ornate than the PP, as usual. My guess is that this will determine most individuals' preference. However, from a Chinese calender perspective, I think the UN series captures the spirit of the Chinese zodiac b... 

... I had not thought about that, but you are right: a Chinese zodiac motif should capture the spirit attributed to the animal, while the PP - its artistic qualities being beyond question - rather is a zoological textbook illustration. Marcus

Unfortunately these historiated dials, despite my appreciation of the artistry behind, are not if my taste. Mo

Though the UN has that "Wow!" factor over patek's, i do think that i will get bored with it easily. Patek's interpretation is much more restrained and cultured, subtle and artistic - a mimicry of nature at its finest! This is of course just my opinion. Al... 

I must say the snake is a tough subject. Of the two, I'd probably opt for the Patek. Vacheron Constantin has one with a mini sculpture combined with enameling on the dial. But again, for aesthetics, I defer to Martin Pauli and his miniature paintings: Dea...  

i actually don't like either of them =P

... based on the same post in Patek and Ulysse forums is that it is pretty much a tie for Patek's marquetry snake and Ulysse's champlevé snake