New Watch! • 24 Sep 2015
Patek Philippe Pays Tribute To Singapore With Three Unique Hand-Enamelled Dome Clocks
Patek Philippe pays tribute to Singapore with three commemorative rare handcraft creations in celebration of the Republic’s 50th anniversary of independence.
When Patek Philipp’s history rhymes with Singapore’s history
1965 marked the beginning of Patek Philippe’s collaboration with Singapore. It was the year that Singapore also gained its independent nation status. Mr Philippe Stern, present honorary president of Patek Philippe, travelled to Singapore in order to develop the company’s sales network and his journey marked the beginning of a promising cooperation with two multi-brand boutiques. Over the years, some new sales outlets have joined the official network, most of which are still partners of the brand today. In 1987, the company formed Geneva Master Time LLP in Singapore after more than twenty years of establishing Patek Philippe in the region.
Thus for fifty years, Patek Philippe has witnessed the great changes this country has undergone and its growing importance on the economic scene in Asia. Today a thriving city-state, Singapore is an essential hub for the distribution of Patek Philippe watches in the South-East Asian region.
Amongst its customers, Patek Philippe counts the major entrepreneurs, hotel owners, property developers and families involved in the post-independence development of Singapore. For these collectors, Patek Philippe is a natural choice as the family values upheld by the brand – represented by the slogan “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation” apply very much to the Asian culture, which places the family at the centre of everything. Therefore a Patek Philippe can be compared to a family heirloom that has to be kept carefully before being passed on to one’s children. As enthusiasts of complications, this clientele also looks forward to Patek Philippe rare handcraft creations in both timepieces and dome table clocks.
Tribute to Singapore
To commemorate this momentous occasion, Patek Philippe is honoured to present to the nation three exceptional creations that captures the quintessence of Singapore, in exquisite splendour of artisanal craftsmanship, encapsulated in the form of rare dome table clocks. These clocks take inspiration from Singapore’s past and present, its flora and fauna, its culture and heritage and its iconic modern landscape. As a tribute to Singapore, full proceeds from the auction of these three unique creations will be donated to charitable as well as causes related to the promotion and preservation of arts and culture in Singapore.
“My father started the long term relationship between our company and Singapore back in 1965, so it comes without saying that it was important to us to present our gratitude to the nation on its 50th independence anniversary” said Mr Thierry Stern, president of Patek Philippe. “To mark this historical moment we created three unique commemorative dome table clocks that reflect themes that are integral parts of Singaporean history and evolution. We hope that with the auctions proceeds of these unique pieces achieved thanks to our esteemed collectors’ generosity, Patek Philippe will contribute in preserving Singapore’s heritage for the generations to come.”
Ref. 1665M “Peranakan Culture”
Dome table clock in cloisonné enamel
Ref. 1665M “Peranakan Culture” – Dome Table Clock in cloisonné enamel is the first amongst the three dome clocks that was presented at Baselworld 2015 for a rare public preview.
This unique piece in cloisonné enamel pays tribute to the Peranakans, the Straits-born Chinese descended from the first immigrants to settle in former British crown colony of Malacca, Penang and Singapore. Its decoration draws on traditional motifs from their vibrantly coloured art that can be seen in their architectural elements such as tiles or windows.
To create the roses and geometric figures, the enameller outlined the design using more than 28 meters of gold wire (53.3 g) measuring 0.2 x 0.6 mm in cross-section, and filled the cells thus created with transparent, opaque and opalescent enamels in 14 colours. Each element required from 7 to 8 firings at temperatures of about 890°C. The hour circle, adorned with black-enameled Breguet numerals, frames a dial center handguilloched under translucent rose-pink enamel.
Cloisonné enamelling is a rare and ancient art form. It is used to create splendid multicoloured decorations. It consists of tracing the outline of the design in fine gold wire and then filling the cells formed by wire partitions with coloured enamel powders. These are vitrified by successful firings in a kiln.
Unique piece specially created to celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary of independence.
Full proceeds from the auction of the “Peranakan Culture” dome table clock will be donated to The Peranakan Museum.
1675M “Farquhar Collection”
Dome table clock in cloisonné enamel
This unique piece was inspired by the celebrated “William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings”, a treasure-trove of 477 watercolours depicting plants and animals of Malacca and Singapore. The works were produced between 1819 and 1823 by Chinese artists at the request of William Farquhar, Singapore’s first Resident and Commandant at that time. A keen naturalist, Farquhar’s fascination with natural history resulted in important botanical and zoological discoveries in the Malay Peninsula and these drawings were important records in a period that pre-dated the invention of photography, and remain today valuable archives of a local biodiversity that is fast disappearing.
To convey all the beauty and wealth of detail of the drawings, which are equally prized for their scientific precision and their refined aesthetics, the enameller used transparent, opaque and opalescent enamels in 78 colours. Tracing the outlines required 32.55 meters (65.1 g) of gold wire measuring 0.2 mm wide. Each enameled element called for between 8 and 14 firings at temperatures of about 930°C.
The hour circle is adorned with black enameled Breguet numerals and frames a silver dial center guilloched under sand-coloured enamel. Height: 213.5 mm.
Unique piece specially created to celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary of independence.
Full proceeds from the auction of the “Farquhar Collection” dome table clock will be donated to The National Museum of Singapore.
1677M “The Esplande – Singapore”
Dome table clock hand-guilloched under cloisonné enamel with silver leaf
This unique piece presents one of the most famous panoramic views of modern Singapore, taking in the familiar sights of the river and the distinctive architecture of the theatre.
To reproduce the building’s geometric patterns in the sky, the artist delicately handguilloched the silver panels that form the dial and the body of the clock. Depicting the skyline and its towers required 6.25 meters of gold wire (12.5 g) measuring 0.2 mm wide, and some 20 enamel colours. Most of the colours were transparent, with a few opalescent tints and one opaque shade. Inclusions of silver leaf beneath the translucent enamel conjure up the glow of the fireworks, the glitter of the cityscape and the sparkle of light on water. Each enameled element called for some 11 firings at temperatures ranging from 810°C to 920°C.
The hour circle is adorned with black enameled Breguet numerals. Height: 213.5 mm.
Unique piece specially created to celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary of independence.
Full proceeds from the auction of the “The Esplanade – Singapore” dome table clock will be donated to seed the “Heritage Cares” program for beneficiaries of Singapore Comchest to enjoy programs offered at the museums.
All three dome table clocks embody Patek Philippe’s dedication to the preservation of artisanal skills that have been directly associated with horology for more than four centuries. Today, these skills are in the hands of a few masters.
The Hour Glass is a proud retailer of Patek Philippe.
For more information, please speak with our Sales Consultant here or visit us at any one of our boutiques.