Lot #3842
Patek Philippe Calatrava 5075G-016 Cloisonne Enamel Birds of Paradise Upupa Epops 18k WG
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Introduction
Released in 1932 and named after the cross that the Calatrava Knights paraded around Spain and Portugal during the 12th and 13th centuries, the Patek Philippe Calatrava was released as a simple timepiece with broad appeal that would help secure Patek Philippe's finances following Jean and Charles Henri Stern's investment in the brand in the same year. Designed with a strict Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic in mind, the Calatrava used, and continues to use, simplicity as its means of establishing intrigue around the craftsmanship required to construct such a stunning timepiece. However, not all members of the Calatrava family are born equal, and members of the Rare Handcrafts collection are a testament to that fact, with the ref. 5075G that we have here the perfect example of that. Launched in 2002 as a rare set of four models and boasting a completely polished 36mm case powered by the automatic cal. 240 movement, this example’s piece de resistance is its incredible ‘Grand Feu’ cloisonné enamel dial that has been meticulously created by an artisan to resemble the Birds of Paradise, specifically the Upupa Epops. Featuring a beautiful depiction of two birds perched on a low hanging branch as they look into the distance with their brown, black, white, and yellow feathers dominating the dial along with the green hilly backdrop and blue sky, this stunning image celebrates the wonderful talents that Patek Philippe’s artisans command over their art. Created using thin gold wires to create the image on a gold dial plate before the partitions ("cloisons" in French) are filled with colored enamel powder and then fired in a furnace at around 1000 degrees Celsius to melt the powder and create a glassy image that is then polished, the ref. 5075G’s dial is an example in the lengths watchmakers will go to create a piece of art.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Certificate of Origin, Hang Tag, Booklets
Est. value range
$60,000 – $80,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Calatrava Rare Handcrafts
Movement
Automatic cal. 240
Reference
5075G-016
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2002
Condition
Like new
Material
18kt white gold
Included
Watch, Certificate of Origin, Hang Tag, Booklets
Dial Color
Greens, browns, yellows, and blues (cloisonne enamel)
THE DIAL
Featuring a beautiful depiction of two birds perched on a low hanging branch as they look into the distance, the ref. 5075G-016's dial is a rich cacophony of browns, blacks, whites, and yellows.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Boasting a relatively understated and entirely polished 36mm 18kt white gold construction, the ref. 5075G has clearly been designed so that the majority of its attention goes to its dial.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is in like-new condition overall. There may be light signs of handling on the case. Comes complete with certificate of origin, hangtag, wallet and booklets.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
An exceptionally rare watch simply due to how difficult it is to manufacture on account of its handcrafted cloisonne enamel dial, the ref. 5075G-013 showcases the breadth and width of Patek Philippe's talents as an artisanal watchmaker.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
