Unveiled in in 2007, Patek Phillipe’s Ref. 5077 has served as a blank canvas for the brand to display its metiers d’art. Produced in very limited numbers, each year the reference introduces a selection of dials with different themes that showcase various artisanal techniques like enameling, miniature painting, marquetry and so on.

The present platinum Ref. 5077 features an enamel painting inspired by the works of Orientalist painters such as Georges Washington, Henri Émilien Rousseau, and Eugène Fromentin. Rich in detail, the miniature painting portrays two Arab horseman about to go hunting with a falcon.

Falconry (hunting with falcons) has been an integral part of Bedouin culture in the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of year. Well-trained falcons were essential for the Bedouin's survival in the harsh climate of the desert. And although hunting has been banned across much of the Arab world, falconry thrives as “the sport of kings” and is a still a popular hobby with the wealthy throughout the Gulf region. The birds are considered status symbols today and appear on the coat of arms of many Arab institutions.

Enamelling is an intense, painstakingly long but ultimately rewarding process. To begin with the enameller has to grind the enamel, remove impurities and mixed with water to a paint-like consistency. It is then applied to carefully prepared surfaces, usually a gold dial. The enamel is heated in a furnace to over 800°C and this allows it to adhere to the metal base. Depending on the number of colours and complexity of the painting, the dial can be “cooked” in the furnace up to 30 times to get the desired look.

Enamel dials are hardy and can provide exceptional protection against oxidation but due to the complexity of the production process, they are a rare sight in modern watchmaking. It is also a fact that there are very few master enamellers left in the business today and brands like Patek Philippe are making a real effort to preserve these skills.