Patek Philippe

cbb in honor of Chamnong Bhirombhakdi
911

• Show profile
• Show other posts

Marequetry dream came true!

White Swan Ref. 5077/100R-071

Since being alerted by GLau's post on 2025 rare handcraft from W&W (https://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf.forumpost/fi-11/pi-16848776/ti-1649396/s-0/t--second-day-with-gtg-with-2-moderators-then-rare-handcrafts-exhibition-at-the-salon-i-was-totally-amazed-at-the-pieces-/), I have been dreaming non-stop about getting one of the marquetry pieces to expand my own collection.  

Marequetry has been on my radar for a long time but they are difficult to come by in terms of limited production and preferred motifs.  I started noticing them when they were released during the Chinese Zodica series with rabbit (2011).  My late father and I were intrigued with the craft and since his birth year was rabbit, he went out to collect the entire collection!! I’d since realized how difficult it was to obtain the whole collection… although my dad made it so easy 😅

Since that time, I have studied more about this art and met the amazing Mr. Jérôme Boutteçon, a French master craftsman and pioneer in the art of wood marquetry on watch dials

who is the artisan for marquetry dials.  During 2025 Rare Handicrafts show in Patek Philippe Geneva Salon, an apprentice of Mr. Boutteçon was presenting and explaining this art to visitors.  I am very happy to see the unique and priceless knowledge is being passed on to maintain and hopefully this rare skills.  Patek to me is a true caretaker of rare handcrafts.  It started with Phillip and now it is Thierry's turn to carry the torch to ensure artisinal dials survive the test of time and hopefully thrive even more.   

For 2025, I would have been fully satisfied with eagle, black swan, or white swan.  However, I do prefer diamonds on a rare handcraft because it is such a beatiful piece of art that deserves shiny stones around it.  The Patek team understands customers' preferences well and I was fortunate enough to be allocated this exquisite 1 of the 10 time piece in my favorite rose gold. 

Since its arrival, I am inspected the dial under the loupe many times.  The small pieces, the subtle shades fit so perfectly together.  120-130 species of woods, each with different colors and texture,  The White Swan seems so graceful on my wrist against the gold leaf. I wish I could hear what my dad thinks of my choice…