Patek Philippe. An exceptional and possibly unique 18K white gold automatic wristwatch with hand-painted enamel dial depicting a Gouldian finch, original certificate and box, factory sealed

Introduced at Baselworld 2016, the present watch is one of a series of two watches with hand-painted enamel dials depicting Gouldian finches. Still factory sealed, it is offered in pristine unworn condition. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge it is the first example of the “Diamant de Gould” series to appear at auction.

Magnificently hand crafted by Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts department, the wonderfully colourful “Diamant de Gould” dial is the chief glory of the timepiece and pays tribute to the excellence of Patek Philippe’s enamellists. The technique used is miniature painting on enamel, which is entirely painted by a virtuoso artist, the enamel is mixed with oil and then applied with a very fine brush on a ground layer of enamel. Using this technique breathtakingly beautiful works of art can be created as demonstrated here so superbly by Patek Philippe. The Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae), also known as the Lady Gouldian finch, Gould's finch or the rainbow finch, is a colourful bird native to Australia. In 1992, it was classified as "endangered in the wild".

Reference 5089G is further distinguished by its hinged back protecting a sapphire display back through which Patek Philippe’s famous calibre 240 movement can be admired at will.

Each year Patek Philippe produces around 40 one-of-a-kind pieces of rare handcraftsmanship that don’t appear in the stores or the current collections catalogue. The regular collection is also enriched annually with new models decorated by artisans at the top of their game.