Description

The present reference 5089G-079 is part of the out-of-catalog ‘Rare Handcrafts’ collection from Patek Philippe. A very exclusive watch limited to a handful number of pieces, this ‘African Elephant’ Calatrava was launched as part of the 2019 edition of Rare Handcrafts.

Housed within a 38mm 18k white gold casing, the dial is a fascinating example of hand-executed work with multi-colored cloisonné enameling. It depicts the imposing silhouette of an elephant from the African savannah, basked in the warm hues of the sunset behind it. A total of thirteen colors manifested in transparent, opaque and opalescent enamels were used to depict the setting of the sun, with a striking contrast against the case material.

This dial uses Grand Feu cloisonné enameling, a process that involves creating compartments (cloisons) with thin gold wire on the dial, filling these with enamel, and then firing it. About 38 cm of gold wire was used for the contours of the animal and gum acacia tree behind it, while 10 firings at a temperature of 820°C were required to create this incandescent visual. No two dials are exactly alike, as each is painstakingly handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring every watch owner has a unique piece.

Hours and minutes are displayed with white gold dauphine-shaped hands to match the case tone. Powering the watch’s heart is the ultra-thin self-winding caliber 240, the maison’s celebrated movement with a 22k gold off-center mini-rotor that provides up to 48-hour power reserve.

This Rare Handcraft is paired with a black alligator strap, complementing the shadows of the elephant and tree. Strictly limited in production, this Patek Philippe 5089G-079 is not just a time-only watch; it is a wearable piece of art with an exquisitely crafted enamel scenery – a collector’s piece combining simplicity and originality.

Patek Philippe – Bio

Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.