Patek Philippe

18k, damascened nickel lever movement (cal.17-170), stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 18 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, white enamel dial, roman numerals, blued steel hands, subsidiary seconds, the case back with painted enamel scene signed Y Delfo, G Menni, 1987, depicting a racecourse with jockeys, both bezels decoratively engraved with stylised leaves, case, dial and movement signed, accompanied by Patek maroon leather wallet containing Certificate of Origin, instructions and leaflets, original swing tag, Patek Philippe wooden presentation case and card outer box.

Miniature enamel painting is an exceptional art. To reproduce a painting onto the back of a watch just a few centimetres across, requires extraordinary talent. In a 1973 Patek Philippe pamphlet it was noted that:

"...the almost lost art of Geneva enamelling applied to fine timepieces survives almost enitrely because of Patek Philippe. Geneva enamellers are few today...the greatest work at Patek Philippe"

G.Menni painted approximately 50 miniature enamels for Patek from the early 1980s until the late 1990s. Together with S.Rohr, he shares the most reputable signature in the field. Amongst his most famous scenes are the Picasso ‘Clown’ (1989) and the Canaletto ‘Canale Grande’ (1984). Menni’s enamels include portraits, mythological scenes, landscapes, naval battles and fox hunting.

The present lot is notable for its exceptional original condition, retaining its Certificate of Origin, wooden presentation case and numbered swing tag.