Ahead of the Watches & Wonders fair in Geneva this April, Patek Philippe is set to reveal 78 exquisite handcrafted pieces at its city-center museum event. This showcase runs alongside the main trade show at Palexpo and highlights the brand’s masterful métiers d’art work.
Among the upcoming releases are 23 domed table clocks, one desk clock, 10 pocket watches, and 44 wristwatches from the Calatrava and Golden Ellipse collections. Today, Patek Philippe previewed two standout creations: the “Yellow-Crested Cockatoo” Golden Ellipse wristwatch (Ref. 5738/50J-011) and the “Skiing in Days Gone By” domed table clock (Ref. 2019M-001). Both feature cloisonné enamel, a traditional Swiss technique where thin gold wires form intricate designs filled with enamel and then hand-painted.
The Golden Ellipse watch required 90 cm of hand-shaped gold wire and 20 shades of opaque and opalescent enamel. Its design draws inspiration from an 18th-century Japanese silk painting by artist Itô Jakuchi, reimagined with a Swiss touch. Only 10 collectors will have the chance to own this limited edition.
The domed table clock, a unique piece in Patek’s lineup since 1958, uses over 16 meters of gold wire and 45 enamel shades, mostly translucent. Its dial center is crafted from leather to evoke the feel of a traditional Swiss ski chalet. The clock reflects vintage Swiss graphic art from the 20th century and is likely to appeal to collectors familiar with elite ski destinations like Gstaad.
As the watch market grows crowded with sports models like Patek’s Nautilus and the newer Cubitus, these rare handcrafted pieces stand out for their artistry and uniqueness. Known among collectors as heirloom-quality objects, Patek Philippe’s métiers d’art watches showcase some of the finest enamel work—Grand Feu cloisonné, grisaille, flinqué, paillonné, and Fauré—alongside hand engraving, guilloché, and gem-setting.
Those attending the Geneva event will get an exclusive opportunity to experience these exceptional timepieces up close before they enter private collections.