Patek Philippe, A Rare Limited Production White Gold Automatic Wristwatch with Enamel Dial


Reference: 5075G, HibiscusMovement No: 1'909'046Case No: 4'102'913Year: 2000Calibre: 240 Dial: Polychrome cloisonné enamel depicting the Hibiscus flower, signedCase: 36mm, 18k white gold, glazed display case back, signedStrap: Endangered species, 18k white gold Patek Philippe deployant claspAccompaniments: Extract from the Archives confirming production in 2000, with the original date of sale on 16th January, 2002
|百達翡麗，「珍稀工藝系列 -洛神花」5075G型號，罕有限量版白金自動腕錶，配掐絲琺瑯錶盤，2000年。附後補資料庫精萃。Cloisonné enamelling is an ancient decorative technique that involves the laying of gold wires in intricate designs with the negative spaces filled with enamel. Enamel is a vitreous substance based on silica sand, coloured by adding metal oxides. The enamel is crushed to a fine powder and mixed with water to make a paste. According to Patek Philippe, after application and once dry, this paste is fired in a kiln at temperatures exceeding 800°C, fusing to the metal base of the dial and becoming extremely hard and stable. Depending on the intricacy of the design, a model can return to the kiln up to 12 times. Due to the complexity of execution, the Ref. 5075G was made in a very limited production and is highly sought-after by discerning connoisseurs with an appreciation for its impeccable artistry.Patek Philippe's rare handcrafts series, like the present Reference 5075G with a cloisonné enamel dial depicting hibiscus flowers, showcases the highest level of skills and artistry by the most coveted artisans in the horological world. The hibiscus (mufurong 木芙蓉) is also known as the Chinese "rose" and is celebrated in Chinese culture as a symbol of beauty, wealth and glory. The flower is renowned for its colour-change, with white coloured petals when it first opens in the morning, fading to pink with the passing day. On the present Ref. 5075G, one can see the artist's attempt to capture this delicate flower's pink petals with a whitish centre, exquisitely rendered in polychrome enamel with masterful strokes.