GLau
[Patek Moderator]
14567
(updated with descriptions by Patek) Hi 👋 All, Virtual GTG with THE enamel queen Anita Porchet to understand her unique pocket watch for
2025 W&W ( ref 995/125G-001 ) ! What an amazing watch given the descriptions below. Your self-proclaimed enamel addict/slave needed to learn more and asked Anita for her valuable time which she kindly gave me.
10 years ago, Anita challenged her engraver friend to figure out an improved technique to combine their two skills. Following few years, they worked on different pieces for other brands. Although these pieces were fine, she felt the need to get better after seeing the pocket watch made by others with a white enamel tiger using miniature painting plus guilloche at the 2019 Patek Singapore grand exhibition ( ref 992/153G ).
Anita annd engraver examined and thought hard about how to better integrate the two techniques. Since I still could not fully comprehend how Jaquar was made so amazingly after the GTG, I asked Anita to write in French so that I can use AI translation. Below is what she wrote:
I would say it's not a new technique, but rather two crafts: engraving and enameling (miniature painting and special enameling similar to cloisonné), which we use in our own way. We've tried to make the two crafts so intimately linked that it's hard to tell if it's enameling or engraving... it's both. The whole thing should give the impression of being a single technique!
Je dirais que ce n est pas une nouvelle technique , ce sont deux métiers : la gravure et l émaillage que nous utilisons à notre manière . Nous avons essayé que les deux métiers soient intimement liés au point que l on ne sache pas bien si c est l émail ou si c est la gravure ... ce sont les deux . L ensemble doit donner l impression d être une technique ! J espère que j ai réussi à me faire comprendre.
Finally in 2024 she met with Thierry and his team and was comfortable enough to propose the Jaquar pocket watch. Naturally Thierry and his team totally agreed and the STAR was born. I am so happy for Anita to keep breaking new grounds and to maintain the wonderful art of enameling!
Look 👀 closely to the dial. Other than the engraved leaves, are there other areas with engraving ? Please answer before you read on.
Apparently engraving and enamel co-existed on the Jaguar, whole forest background, water and the leaves ! The two techniques are amazingly totally integrated !
How do you compare and contrast the white tiger to Jaguar even though tiger is cloisonné enamel vs miniature painting for Jaguar ?
Without looking down to the end, how long do you think it took Anita to work on this dial on her own (Hence signed A Porchet and not AP) ?
To me, this piece is simply unbelievably ! I am so happy for Anita to keep breaking new grounds and to maintain the wonderful art of enameling along with other artisans 👍
FYI Anita spent 2 months fully on this dial (design, planning, trying out techniques, enameling and firing).
What are your thoughts on this dial and Anita Porchet & her passion ?
(updated with descriptions by Patek) Hi 👋 All, Virtual GTG with THE enamel queen Anita Porchet to understand her unique pocket watch for
2025 W&W ( ref 995/125G-001 ) ! What an amazing watch given the descriptions below. Your self-proclaimed enamel addict/slave needed to learn more and asked Anita for her valuable time which she kindly gave me. 10 years ago, Anita challenged her engraver f...
Thank you, Gordon, for this very interesting post and for sharing with us Anita Porchet's precious and unique insight.
I wasn't aware of this pocket watch and find the blending of engraving and enameling impressive. I have found on Hodinkee these photos of the watch, which show it front and back and from a larger view. Thank you again and warmest congratulations to Anita ...
Thanks Emmanuel for your kind comments and adding
more photos of this AMAZING watch ! My real pleasure to poison ☠️ you on Anita Porchet’s art pieces 🤣
Thanks Gordon for this very interesting and illuminating post. Anita Porchet is an extraordinarily talented artist. Both the tiger and jaguar are supremely beautiful.
To compare and contrast the two in a meaningful way I would have to see them in person or see much larger images with extremely high resolution.
Hi Patekova, Yes, both pieces are
EXCEPTIONAL ! To me, Anita Porchet might be more exceptional because I have met her in person and online quite a few times and she is humble and friendly 👍 Being allocated the Jaguar 🐆 would be an item on my bucket🪣 list !
Amazing interaction with the Queen
Am I correct in understanding that the jaguar is not made with cloisonne hence the border for the enamel/colors are defined by the engraving rather than the typical golden wires? 😮
Yes, no gold wire like cloisonné so
it is miniature painting + engraving to outline the Jaquar and other items!
Very impressive
Wonderful artistry!! Unbelievable details and almost 3D like details. As an enamel dial this will last forever…Modern art for the ages!!
Thanks Gordon for the write-up.
An very interesting story and always learn something new from your posts.
Enamelling is unfortunately a dying art
but Anita Porchet is an artist beyond compare. To enamel so intricately on such a small space is mind boggling. Some will say Suzanne Rohr was the greatest of all time but I will put Anita up there with her. It is just a pity that only the very wealthy an...
Many Sham thanks for your thoughtful comments !👍
Patek has been keeping this dying art alive and thriving !💪
Indeed they have!
I am actually more excited these days to see their new handicrafts rather than their regular novelties!
amazing!
the enamel work is truly amazing. she did some pieces for AP, Patek and other higher end brands right?
Hi Ferry88, a warm welcome to our forum and we look forward to see your posts & comments ! Yes, Anita's artistry is breathtaking ! She has
produced enamel dials for brands other than Patrek, such as AP, Piaget, Hermes, and Jaquet Droz Please see my previous posts about her own enamel journey www.watchprosite.com www.watchprosite.com
Always looking forward to your posts G!
Everyone knows about G's absolute passion for enamel and the fine work of Anita Porchet. It's amazing how she can do such fine work on such a tiny surface. And explanations like what G has provided always makes the piece much more meaningful, and makes fo...
Thanks traineract for your kind words !
Anita is a true artist who just want to push her limits continously !
