264 Patek Philippe The Extraordinary and Unique “Dolphin Clock” by Patek Philippe. Yellow Gold, Silver, Diamonds, Lapis Lazuli, and Deep Blue Translucent Enamel, Weighing 6.39 Kg ! Accompanied by its Original Presentation Box and Extract from the Archives
Estimate: €750,000 – 1,500,000
Model: 46
Reference: 1191
Case Material: Yellow Gold, Silver, Diamonds, Lapis Lazuli and Translucent Royal Blue Enamel
Year: 1980
Movement: Quartz
Caliber: 33
Movement N°: 1803537
Dimensions: 37 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
Accessories: Box and Extract from the archives
It took a team of Patek Philippe craftsmen including goldsmiths, enamelers, engravers, watchmakers and gem setters a total of 5 234 hours and 278 individual pieces to create one of the worlds most magnificent and unprecedented baroque style dome clocks. With a weight of 6.390 kilograms, the framework of the case is composed of 18k solid gold with sterling silver panels, exquisitely decorated by layers of baroque style opaline-colored enamel. A yellow-gold garland of fruit and flowers frames the dial composed of white opaline enamel, set with a solitaire diamond. Completed in 1980, it was named the “Dolphin Clock” after the dome’s spectacular four gold dolphins, set with 2.5 carats of diamonds, which give the clock its sea motif. The liberal use of cabochon lapis lazuli on the base, leaves and columns was complemented to further enhance this theme. To the best of our knowledge, after its completion the masterpiece was purchased by the prominent Patek Philippe retailer J.Farren Price of Sydney, today one of Australia’s most venerable shops offering an extensive range of luxurious Swiss watches and beautifully crafted and original jewelry designs. They displayed the clock at a “Watch and Clock Exhibition” held in Australia where it was featured in an article as “the most valuable piece in the exhibition”, priced at 750 000 US dollars. Still under the property of J. Farren Price, the clock was then displayed at the Patek Philippe exhibition at Tiffany & Co., New York, in 1985, before being sold in 1987. Designed after the baroque and renaissance styles of Bernini and Borromini, Italian dramatic and controversial artists, the “Dolphin Clock” sets a mark in the history of refined watch making and stands today as one of the most important and exceptional clocks ever made by Patek Philippe. Presented in excellent conditions, it is accompanied by its original presentation box and extract from the archives confirming its production in 1980 and its subsequent sale the 11th December 1987.