PATEK PHILIPPE | LES PARROQUETS, REFERENCE 1423M A UNIQUE GILT BRASS SOLAR POWERED DOME TABLE CLOCK WITH CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL, MADE IN 1995

Dial: gilt brass with cloisonné enamel panelsCalibre: 17"250, photo-electric cellMovement number: 1'804'685Case: gilt brass and cloisonné enamelSize: 125 mm diameter x 210 mm highSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the archives confirming production of the present clock with white dial, hour circle in gilded brass and Roman numerals in 1995 and its subsequent sale on 11 August 2005

The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing. The case is in excellent condition with no visible signs of wear. The enamel panels too in superb condition no repair or damage visible. The dial in excellent condition. Overall the timepiece is in as new condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

As well as producing some of the finest and most complicated watches in the world Patek Philippe have also taken it upon themselves to preserve some of the worlds most complicated art forms which would have, but for watchmaking, all but vanished. The present lot, its surface almost entirely comprised of cloisonné enamel panels, exemplifies this dedication.   Of all, of what Patek deem their, 'Rare Handcrafts' enamelling is arguably one of the more complex and visually striking artisanal techniques, and this becomes no more evident than on this particular clock. It is a skill that takes years of patient and dedicated practice to master every technique and skill required to successfully create such a work. It is and of itself an incredibly multi-faceted affair and the master enameller is required to control every aspect of the piece's production; from the mixing of the colours themselves, to their delicate application and, finally, their precise firing.   

On the present lot the artist has depicted several parrots or macaw inhabiting a variety of foliage on three panels, to the sides of the timepiece, and the dome itself. The parrot is an important symbol in Chinese culture, and although its symbolism has developed throughout history, generally it is accepted that they represent freedom, long life and wisdom. Women especially held an affinity for the creatures, often considering them guardians of their secrets. Further to this in the art of Feng Shui they are believed to repel negative energy, exemplifying, instead, opportunity and the being the bearers of good news. As with many other dome timepieces the artist has chosen a darker, earthy ground upon which to place their subject. Not only does this serve to intensify the vividity of the colours, but also is a subtle nod to the grounded roots of enamelling itself. 

除生產精美絕倫、功能繁複的高級時計外，百達翡麗仍堅持致力保育複雜鐘錶製作工藝，令此藝術免於時代洪流衝擊下而逐漸式微。蘇富比於是次拍賣為大家呈獻此時計作品，品牌以掐絲琺瑯作素材覆蓋於座鐘表面，以顯對傳統琺瑯工藝的重視。

百達翡麗「珍稀工藝」系列的琺瑯時計作品精緻複雜，流光溢彩，尤見於此座鐘之華麗奪目，手工卓絕。精通琺瑯工藝必先長年耐心專注地反覆練習，方能製造出如此傑作。座鐘外殼由多面琺琅飾板拼合而成，琺瑯大師必須對每個製作步驟運籌帷幄，掌握調色、填色等精細工藝及冶煉技術才可成功製作此鐘。

座鐘的三塊側板及圓頂飾以枝葉叢中棲息的金剛鸚鵡，鸚鵡於中國傳統文化中為代表吉祥之物，雖其象徵意義在歷代有所變化，但都有自由、長壽及智慧的喻義，女性亦將鸚鵡當為秘密的守護者。從風水玄學角度出發，鸚鵡是為辟邪納福，廣傳佳音之物。如其他圓頂座鐘作品一樣，此拍品選用深沉的大地色調以襯托色彩斑斕的鸚鵡，不僅令其羽毛更顯鮮豔，同時亦向早期琺瑯工藝致敬。