Extremely fine Swiss 18K gold and enamel lever watch Circa 1975

Gold watch with cloisonné enamel scene
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A fine and extremely rare Swiss 18 carat gold and enamel open faced pocket watch, The Three Musicians, made by Patek Philippe in Genève, circa 1975. The movement with a lever escapement. Silver dial with applied gold hour markers, outer minute dots, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and original, gold dauphine hands. The case with a cloisonné enamel scene on the back, brushed bezels and bow. Dial signed, case and movement signed and numbered. Comes with the original presentation box and Patek Philippe sales photography.
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Diameter: 47 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe Genève Swiss
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Reference No 716/1.
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Just like all other cloisonné enamel pocket watches by Patek Philippe of the time, each one was crafted with the greatest skill and love as a unique piece. This particular example was acquired new by the family of the original owner, along with other enamel pocket and wristwatches by Patek Philippe. This particular portrait was painted by Mrs Pellarin-Leroy (J.P.L.) alongside Mrs Suzanne Rohr, both completed their studies at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Geneva before becoming master enamellers at Patek Philippe. This particular scene, ‘Three Musicians’, is attributed to the Master of the Female half-lengths, who was an artist or a group of painters active in Flanders in the 16th century. Kept in a safe since its purchase, it has remained untouched and in as new condition.
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Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects with coloured material held in place or separated by metal strips or wire, normally of gold. In recent centuries, vitreous enamel has been used, but inlays of cut gemstones, glass and other materials were also used during older periods, indeed, cloisonné enamel very probably began as an easier imitation of cloisonné work using gems. The resulting objects can also be called cloisonné.