PATEK PHILIPPE. A FINE AND RARE 18K GOLD AND ENAMEL SKELETONISED WRISTWATCH
Lot 2478 Engraving is the practice of incising a design into a hard, usually flat surface, by cutting grooves into it. The result may be a decorated object in itself, as when silver, gold, steel, or glass is engraved, or may provide an intaglio printing plate, of copper or another metal, for printing images on paper as prints or illustrations.

In watch-making, from the case to the movements, engraving is one of the decorative techniques that forms the soul of a luxury watch. It is a savoir-faire that has been passed down from generation to generation. The engraver cuts the metal to create patterns that give the entire movement the rare elegance and emotion that distinguishes a fine watch.

Often hidden in the depths of the case, the subtlety of this decorative work is nonetheless unveiled in skeleton watches. Designed to highlight the beauty and architectural complexity of their movement, these models with transparent case reveal the beauty of the pieces which are enhanced by the ornamental delicacy of the engraving.

With extraordinary skill, the engraver cuts into the material, using chisels and working almost exclusively by hand. From engraving initials, numbers on the face, or decorations drawn by a designer to the ad-hoc creation of a motif, the work of this goldsmith demands patience, dexterity, attention to detail and an aesthetic sensibility.

PATEK PHILIPPE. A FINE AND RARE 18K GOLD AND ENAMEL SKELETONISED WRISTWATCH

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, REF. 3885, MOVEMENT NO. 1’389’259, CASE NO. 2’895’915, MANUFACTURED IN 1991

Closed30 November 2015

Price Realised

HKD 150,000

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PATEK PHILIPPE. A FINE AND RARE 18K GOLD AND ENAMEL SKELETONISED WRISTWATCH
SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, REF. 3885, MOVEMENT NO. 1’389’259, CASE NO. 2’895’915, MANUFACTURED IN 1991
Finely engraved mechanical movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 18 jewels, skeletonised dial, dot numerals on translucent blue enamel over engine-turned outer chapter ring, circular case, snap on back, bar lugs, 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle, case and movement signed
31 mm. diam.

Specialist note

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with skeleton dial in 1991 and its subsequent sale on 20 August 1991.

The present lot is fresh to the market and offered here in overall excellent condition.