Pocket-watch, Patek Philippe Reference 982/155J-001, Shanghai, 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 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.