Patek Philippe is a prestigious Swiss watch brand that has been creating exceptional timepieces since 1839. One of its most iconic designs is the Calatrava, a sophisticated and elegant dress watch that first appeared in 1932. Among the many variations of this classic style, the Calatrava 5077 Japanese Kimono stands out as a rare and exquisite example of the finest craftsmanship.
Featuring a cloisonné and paillonné enamel dial depicting a traditional Japanese kimono pattern, the timepiece required 8 enamel colors and 12 firings to complete. Master enamellers used gold wire for the partitions, showcasing the artisanal flair and attention to detail required to bring this piece to life. The platinum case is adorned with 113 diamonds delicately placed on the bezel and lugs, adding a touch of luxury that perfectly complements the watch's stunning design.
The satin strap is secured by a prong buckle that is set with an additional 29 diamonds. This remarkable watch is a testament to Patek Philippe's mastery of rare handcrafts and its deep respect for different cultures and art forms. It is a true masterpiece that captures the essence of timeless elegance and remarkable beauty.
Beauty Meets Function: A Close-up View
This wristwatch draws its inspiration from the timeless beauty of the traditional Japanese kimono. Its dial is adorned with a stunning floral pattern in eight exquisite colors, crafted with the mastery of both the cloisonné and paillonné enamel techniques. The dark background allows the gold Dauphine hands to stand out and accentuate the delicate gold wires that contour the petals and leaves of the design.
The case, made of platinum, features a round shape and 38 mm diameter, while the bezel and lugs are adorned with 113 sparkling diamonds, adding elegance and luxury to the watch. The strap is crafted from satin and features a prong buckle finished with 29 diamonds. The watch boasts an automatic movement with a power reserve of 48 hours.
The breathtaking blend of Swiss and Japanese artistry and craftsmanship makes this a truly unique and refined timepiece, perfect for those with a profound appreciation of rare handcrafts, artistic expression, and luxury. And with its limited edition, this wristwatch is a coveted treasure for avid collectors of top-quality timepieces.
The Fabric of Time: Materials and Craftsmanship
This watch exudes elegance with its masterfully crafted platinum case, adorned with a brilliant 113 diamonds on the bezel and lugs. The case boasts a diameter of 38mm and a height of 9.5mm, with a transparent sapphire crystal case back that exhibits the automatic movement. The movement boasts a substantial power reserve of 48 hours and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
The crowning glory of this timepiece is undoubtedly its cloisonné and paillonné enamel dial, intricately depicting a traditional Japanese kimono pattern. The creation of the dial required the use of eight enamel colours and twelve firings to achieve a vivid, colourful and incredibly detailed masterpiece. The gold wire cloisonné partitions lend a unique element of character to the design, which is further accentuated by the stunning gold Dauphine hands.
The watch is completed with a matching satin strap, providing comfort and durability while adding to its overall elegance. The prong buckle is set with 29 stunning diamonds, creating an aesthetically pleasing and secure fit. While the watch has a water resistance of up to 30 meters, it is not suitable for swimming or diving, but can withstand brief immersions or splashes.
The watch does not have any specific shock resistance features, but it is built with high-quality materials and components to ensure its reliability and accuracy. This rare handcrafted timepiece is a true testament to the skill and artistry of Patek Philippe's craftsmen. Limited to only 10 pieces, it is a highly collectible watch and an absolute masterpiece of horological art. Let us know if you have any further questions about this stunning piece.
Movement and Accuracy
A neat feature of this watch is that it runs on an automatic movement that is powered by the wearer's wrist motion. Compared to quartz movements that rely on batteries, automatic movements are known for their accuracy and reliability. Moreover, this watch comes with a hacking feature that allows you to stop the second hand by simply pulling out the crown.
This feature makes it effortless to synchronize your watch with another timepiece. However, it's worth mentioning that this watch does not support hand-winding, meaning you won't be able to charge it by manually turning the crown.
Functions and Complications
This stunning timepiece boasts an elegant and simplistic design, highlighting the masterful artistry of cloisonné and paillonné enamel displayed on the dial. The intricate dial features a traditional Japanese kimono pattern, delicately crafted with eight vibrant enamel colors and carefully fired 12 times. The partitions, fashioned from a fine gold wire measuring 60 cm in length and 0.10 mm in width, add a touch of sophistication.
To tell time, the watch features gold Dauphine hands that gracefully indicate the hours and minutes. This exquisite watch refrains from any additional functions or complications, such as a chronograph, date display, GMT function or moon phase. The watch's platinum case is a visual masterpiece, with a bezel and lugs adorned with 113 diamonds that add a delicate sparkle to the timepiece.
The satin strap is accented with a prong buckle set that boasts an additional 29 diamonds, totaling approximately 0.822 ct. Powered by an automatic movement with a caliber 240 and a power reserve of 48 hours, this watch is as reliable as it is stunning. Its simple beauty and unmatched craftsmanship make it a timepiece that will be treasured for years to come.
Comfort and Wearability
This exquisite timepiece boasts rare handcrafted artistry with a cloisonné and paillonné enamel dial featuring a stunning Japanese kimono design. The intricate dial required 8 enamel colors and 12 firings, while the gold wire used for the partitions spans an impressive 60 cm. The watch's bezel and lugs shimmer with 113 diamonds, and the prong buckle sparkles with another 29 diamonds.
Its satin strap is the perfect complement to the dial's colors, adding an elegant touch to the overall design. Not only does this watch exude style and sophistication, it also offers incredible comfort and wearability. Its platinum case measures 38 mm in diameter and 9.5 mm in height, making it ideal for most wrist sizes.
The satin strap is soft and flexible, easily adjustable to ensure a snug and secure fit. With a sapphire-crystal case back, wearers can appreciate the intricate automatic movement of the watch. While this timepiece is a distinguished work of art, it is also practical and reliable.
Water-resistant up to 30 m, it can withstand splashes and rain but is not intended for submersion. By combining traditional techniques with modern technology, this watch is a rare and exclusive masterpiece that speaks to the refined taste and appreciation of beauty of its wearer. It is a watch that can be confidently and comfortably worn for any occasion.
Time's Worth: A Price and Value Analysis
This exquisite timepiece is truly a rare gem of expert craftsmanship. Featuring a stunning cloisonné and paillonné enamel dial with a beautiful Japanese kimono motif, the watch's platinum case is accented with a diamond-set bezel and buckle. This masterpiece is part of the esteemed Rare Handcrafts collection by Patek Philippe, showcasing the finest artistry in enamel work in a myriad of forms.
Produced in 2014 and never worn, this unique item is truly one-of-a-kind and has no comparable rivals in the same category. Although the price of this beauty is not publicly available, given its rarity, quality, and sheer beauty, we can imagine it comes with a high price tag. Other watches from the Rare Handcrafts collection, such as the 5077P-061 with an enamel-motif dial, have prices available upon request.
This watch is more than a timepiece, it's a work of art, and a collector's item for those who appreciate horological excellence and artistic creativity. So, while it may not be easy to determine its value, its worth is beyond measure. Is there anything specific you'd like to know about this exceptional timepiece? Its history, design, or technical specifications?
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Comprehensive Review
Pros: The watch features an enchanting cloisonné and paillonné enamel dial, featuring a captivating Japanese kimono pattern. The dial was expertly crafted using eight enamel colors and twelve firings, resulting in a masterpiece of intricate design. Crafted from premium-grade platinum, the watch boasts a rare and resilient metal that adds to its prestige and value, making it a prized possession for watch collectors.
Dazzling in elegance and sparkle, the watch is adorned with 113 diamonds, totaling approximately 0.8 carats, set on the bezel and lugs. The prong buckle is also set with 29 diamonds, totaling 0.822 carats, further enhancing its luxurious appeal. The automatic movement powered by the watch's 22K gold central rotor ensures optimal accuracy and reliable timekeeping, making it a trustworthy companion for the discerning watch connoisseur. Part of Patek Philippe's Rare Handcrafts collection, the watch exemplifies the brand's mastery and tradition in creative pursuits like enameling, engraving, marquetry, and gem-setting, reflecting the highest level of artistic finesse.
Cons: Acquiring the watch may prove to be a challenging feat for most buyers as it is both expensive and scarcely available. The brand has yet to disclose its price, but estimated figures suggest a value of over $100,000.
The watch's minimalist 38mm case size may not please everyone's preference, especially those with larger wrists. The watch offers a simple time-only function, which may not appeal to users seeking more complications or features in their watch's functionality. The watch's satin strap, while a unique touch, may not be as durable or comfortable compared to leather or metal straps, somewhat limiting its range of wearability.
Rewinding the Hands: Conclusive Thoughts
The Calatrava 5077 Japanese Kimono by Patek Philippe is a stunning work of art that showcases the brand's exceptional handcrafts. It boasts an awe-inspiring cloisonné and paillonné enamel dial that depicts a traditional Japanese kimono pattern with the use of eight enamel colors, 12 firings, and 60 cm of gold wire for the partitions. The platinum case is adorned with 113 diamonds on the bezel and lugs, while the prong buckle is set with 29 diamonds.
This special edition watch is extremely rare since only ten pieces were produced, making it a coveted collector's item. It's powered by an automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve, making it not just a functional timepiece but also an artistic masterpiece. It's important to note that this watch may not appeal to everyone due to its hefty price tag and distinctive style.
However, for those who appreciate Patek Philippe's artistry, this watch truly is a masterpiece that is likely to appreciate in value over time. Therefore, for buyers searching for a unique and exquisite timepiece that showcases Patek Philippe's heritage and innovation, this watch is a great investment that they won't regret.