Watch Art

Sometimes, timepieces transcend boundaries to become pieces of art or technological marvels. Presenting seven such wonders, most of which are limited editions.

- BY ABHIK SEN & VINOD NAIR

PATEK PHILIPPE YELLOW-CRESTED COCKATOO

Inspired by a painting on silk by Japanese artist Itô Jakuchô (1716-1800), Patek Philippe made just 10 pieces of this perfectly proportioned timepiece as part of their Rare Handcrafts collection. Merging Japanese art with Swiss precision, it features a Grand Feu cloisonné enamel dial showing a yellow-crested cockatoo perched on a pine branch. The technique is intricate: a delicate gold wire is meticulously bent to create an intricate design and affixed to a base plate coated with a layer of enamel. After the firing process is over, each dial is hand-painted. Yellow gold cheveu-style hands display the hours and minutes, while the timepiece is powered by a calibre 240 ultra-thin self-winding movement.

Price: On request

RICHARD MILLE RM 88

The Richard Mille RM 88 Automatic Winding Tourbillon Smiley pays tribute to the Smiley, drawn by Franklin Loufrani in 1971. Around the Smiley's radiant face are an array of miniature sculptures. From a rainbow motif to a cocktail glass to a gold flower, a pink flamingo, a pineapple, a cactus, and a sun—the dial features intricate details, and all finishing operations are carried out by hand. The case, with an exhibition caseback, is made of ATZ white ceramic and red gold. Powered by an in-house calibre CRMT7 (a skeletonised automatic winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes and function indicator), only 50 pieces were made.

Price: On request

JACOB & CO. ASTRONOMIA SOLAR CONSTELLATIONS