Lot 382

Patek Philippe Genève, Movement No. 1804685, Ref. 1423M, Cal. 17'''250, Height 220 mm, circa 1995
An attractive solar-powered cloisonné enamel dome table clock "Perroquets" (Parrots) - Unique piece, sold on August 11th, 2005 - with Patek Philippe extract from the archives
Case: brass, gilt, arched sides and domed top decorated throughout with polychrome cloisonné enamel depicting parrots, macaws and cockatoos, signature initials "DBD". Top with solar cells, three fluted bun feet. Dial: white, raised gilt brass chapter ring with Roman numerals, framed by four cloisonné panels with tropical flowers and leaves in the corners; sophisticated skeleton hands. Movm.: mechanical 17''' bridge movement, Gyromax balance, electro-mechanical movement powered by solar cell and lithium battery.
Since their launch in 1955 only very few of these dome table clocks are produced per year, so that their value has increased significantly recently. Each clock has its own theme and style of ornamentation. The limited series is the work of a small group of highly talented enamellers capable of decorating the domes of the clocks in this way. The Cloisonné enamel scenes, for example, are created by affixing gold wires on the surface, which are inlaid with different opaque and opalescent enamel colours. Each element is then fired in a kiln several times at up to 900 degrees, so that eventually the surface will be perfectly smooth. Even the most gifted enamel artists may need up to a year to complete such a clock - it is not surprising that in a year, only a handful of these marvellous pieces come out of the workshops of Patek Philippe.
Other examples are owned by the Patek Philippe Museum and illustrated and described in "Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Uhren", Vol. II, p. 403-411.

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