Patek Philippe, A Rare Platinum Automatic Wristwatch with Enamel Dial


Reference: 5077P, Year of the Ox Movement No: 3'238'829Case No: 4'485'499Year: 2009Calibre: 240 Dial: Red Cloisonné enamel with a brown and cream image depicting the highly referred "Golden Ox", signedCase: 38mm, platinum, glazed display case back, signedStrap: Endangered species, platinum Patek Philippe buckleAccompaniments: Extract from the Archives confirming production in 2009 and original date of sale on 10th November 2009
|百達翡麗，「Year of Golden Ox」5077P型號，罕有鉑金自動腕錶，配琺瑯錶盤，2009年。附後補資料庫精萃。Patek Philippe's rare handcrafts series, like the present Reference 5077P with a cloisonné enamel dial depicting the highly-revered Ox from the Chinese Zodiac, showcases the highest level of skills and artistry by the most coveted artisans in the horological world. With this Reference 5077P, Patek Philippe provides a blank canvas for their artists to work, with the beautifully hand-crafted cloisonné enamel dial fitted within a minimalist platinum Calatrava-style case with straight lugs and a polished bezel. The auspicious Chinese zodiac symbol of the Ox, skilfully adorned in polychrome enamel and seen on the dial of this rare Ref. 5077P, was released in 2009 during the Year of the Ox as part of a limited production series of wristwatches depicting the twelve Chinese Zodiac animals. Those born in the Year of the Ox are believed to be hard-working, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise. The recent years of the Ox are: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021. 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. 5077P was made in a very limited production and is highly sought-after by discerning connoisseurs with an appreciation for its impeccable artistry.