Following its premier at Baselworld 2018, Patek Philippe showcased its entire collection of the 2018 rare handcrafted timepieces at the Salons on Rue du Rhône, Geneva, in April .
Highlighting fifty exceptional creations including dome table clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches (some with minute repeaters), the 2018 collection pays tribute to a suite of rare handcrafts manifested by an extensive range of creations and inspired from a variety of sources.
Engraving, for example, is the most distinguished craft in the service of watchmaking. For example, “The Galleon” pocket watch with back in low-relief hand engraving where the epic conquest of the oceans, so intimately linked to the rise of horology, comes to life on the engraved back of this unique piece in white gold
Among the Grand Feu enameling techniques, cloisonné enamel – with its colour cells enclosed by thin gold wires – enjoys prominence on many dome table clocks. This applies to the “Cubist Fantasy” model, for example, with its cubistic color ornaments, and to other unique pieces with themes ranging from nature to the fine arts.
Allowing its creativity to roam free, the Genevan manufacturer presents several ‘mixed-technique’ pieces that combine a variety of artisanal skills. One example is the “Italian Scenes” which boasts cloisonné enamel dials on manually guilloched backgrounds.
The Genevan brand is also committed to further evolving such skills and broadening the portfolio by refining new crafts such as wood micromarquetry or combining several techniques to create breathtaking works of art.
The 2018 exhibition also showcased two new models from the current Patek Philippe collection including the limited-edition Golden Ellipse, commemorating the 50th anniversary of this iconic watch and the new Ref 5532 World Time Minute Repeater that always strikes local time. The center of its dial is adorned with a cloisonné enamel depiction of the Lavaux wine-growing region overlooking the shores of Lake Geneva.
Much like every year, the 2018 masterpieces are the result of an intensive involvement with tradition and innovation and are presented by Patek Philippe with a rich palette of one-of-a-kind treasures and limited editions that meld sublime craftsmanship with the ultimate in creativity and aesthetics.
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