There is something dreamy about the way Patek Philippe interprets nature and translates it into form. While the most obvious way is to represent the animal’s stripes as a pattern or print, Patek Philippe sees it as a study in duality: shadow and light, restraint and exuberance, movement and stillness. The Patek Philippe Gondolo Serata “Zebra” Ref. 4962/200R-010 emerges as an artistic exponent of radiant pink gold and sapphire, educated in the rigors of Geneva customs, where poetry is timeless.
The Gondolo Serata, originally conceived in 2006, has always been one of Patek Philippe’s most sensual creations. It is defined by soft, flowing Art Deco curves that evoke the silhouette of a bygone era. However, this edition reawakens the elegance of yesteryear with a lively, wild, exotic and absolutely modern temperament. Instead of using dial enamelling, which Patek Philippe excels at, the house came up with an innovative approach for the Serata “Zebra” Gondolo. A sapphire crystal dial is first engraved and then varnished black on both sides. The zebra motif is later achieved by black metallization and white varnish on the underside of the sapphire crystal dial. In doing so, the zebra and stripe motif background vibrates with contemporary energy, recalling the ethereal dials of Patek Philippe’s Rare Handcrafts collection.
The Gondolo Serata “Zebra” is surrounded by 94 brilliant-cut spessartites arranged in a double color gradient. Cognac tones at the top and bottom of the case transform into a fiery gradient of tangerine hues along the sides, evoking a savannah sunset. This particular arrangement of gem settings not only complements the rose gold case, but also accentuates its tapered and domed profile. While the visual effect makes the watch an instant conversation starter, the asymmetrical architectural flourish ensures that the watch sits fluidly on the wrist.
Powering the watch is the quartz caliber E15, a choice that might surprise and that purists might question. Given the precision of quartz and the ease of constantly adjusting the time, it could bode well for its wearer. That aside, Patek Philippe’s discipline in finishing is evident; It is hand decorated and polished in the same manner as those found on the manufacture’s fully mechanical movements.
For a grande dame like Patek Philippe, the Serata “Zebra” Gondolo is bold yet refined, structured yet instinctive, and a metaphor for contemporary femininity. Within the decorated sapphire dial, the Patek Philippe emblem oscillates between transparency and mystery, much like the way art blurs the line between what is seen and felt.
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