Monday, December 12, 2011

Meticulous by Nature

In the world of luxury watches there is one name in particular that is synonymous with the highest level of craftsmanship and design. Founded in 1851, Patek Philippe has forged its way to the upper echelon of the timepiece industry through meticulous attention to form and function. Depending on its complexity, the Patek Philippe process can take more than 1,200 operations to create a single timepiece, sometimes taking 3-5 years to complete.

This 18K gold Patek Philippe is circa 1950-1960, a time period that is particularly desirable to collectors. What makes this watch stand out to the discerning eye is its enamel dial, a feature that is no longer found on more modern models. Dating as far back as the 17th century, hour markings were etched into metal faces and the recesses filled with black wax, resulting in higher contrast and improved readability. This method progressed further with the use of white enamel plaques, like the one here, painted with black numbers. The use of enamel was eventually discontinued because the procedure was tedious, and did not translate to mass production methods used today. That’s why a Patek Philippe model like this one is a rare and particularly notable find. Print this post
 

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