Important Watches

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 2267. "Fire Dragon", Reference 982/155J-001 | A possibly unique yellow gold openface keyless lever watch with power reserve indication, decorated with hand-engraved dragon on cloisonné enamel and Chinese numerals, Accompanied with presentation stand, Made for the opening of the Shanghai Patek Philippe Maison, Circa 2013.

Patek Philippe

"Fire Dragon", Reference 982/155J-001 | A possibly unique yellow gold openface keyless lever watch with power reserve indication, decorated with hand-engraved dragon on cloisonné enamel and Chinese numerals, Accompanied with presentation stand, Made for the opening of the Shanghai Patek Philippe Maison, Circa 2013

Auction Closed

October 21, 07:40 AM GMT

Estimate

1,600,000 - 3,000,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Patek Philippe

"Fire Dragon", Reference 982/155J-001

A possibly unique yellow gold openface keyless lever watch with power reserve indication, decorated with hand-engraved dragon on cloisonné enamel and Chinese numerals, Accompanied with presentation stand, Made for the opening of the Shanghai Patek Philippe Maison, Circa 2013

Dial: translucent guilloché enamel over engine turning and enamel Chinese numerals

Calibre: cal. 1-17 mechanical, 20 jewels

Movement number: 5'632'890

Case: 18k yellow gold, hinged case back decorated with a hand-engraved dragon and cloisonné enamel scene, crown set with one orange sapphire cabochon and red enamelled yellow gold bow

Case number: 4'712'710

Size: 44 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and presentation box. Accompanied by the original 18k yellow gold watch stand on a red-lacquered wood base.

The present Patek Philippe Reference 982/155J-001 is a magnificent pocket watch created in 2013 as an exclusive offering for the brand's Maison opening in Shanghai. This extraordinary timepiece stands as a testament to the ancient art of hand-engraving, a discipline carried out for centuries using specialized tools like burins and chisels with wooden handles to adorn the finest watches.

The level of artistry of the present watch is expressed through several revered decorative techniques, which Patek Philippe upholds with deep respect and typically reserves for only the smallest editions or unique commissions. The case back alone is a masterpiece, featuring a powerful hand-engraved dragon set against a sunburst pattern, all set upon a vibrant cloisonné enamel background. The creation of this intricate scene was a monumental effort, demanding over 250 hours of meticulous handcraftsmanship, with approximately 100 hours dedicated to the engraving and another 150 to the delicate enamel work.

The opulence continues on the obverse, where the dial is crafted from translucent red enamel over a hand-engraved yellow gold base, adorned with incised relief Chinese numerals and complemented by yellow gold hands. Further exquisite details include a hand-engraved yellow gold crown set with a distinctive orange sapphire cabochon, complete with a red enamelled bow. Presented on a matching yellow gold stand with a red-lacquered wood base, this reference is a profound celebration of both haute horology and Chinese cultural heritage.

百達翡麗 "Fire Dragon" 型號 982/155J-001

應為獨一無二黃金懷錶，備動力儲備顯示、手工雕刻龍圖案、掐絲琺瑯及中文時標，附帶底座、為上海百達翡麗源邸開幕而製，約2013年製

附帶證書、盒子及底座

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."