The enamelled Ellipse and domed table clock are just two of 78 pieces that will be shown for the first time at the brand’s Geneva salon in April

In the lead-up to the annual Watches & Wonders fair in Geneva in April—the horological world’s largest trade show—much ado is made about which timepieces Patek Philippe will release. But outside the hallowed halls of the sprawling Palexpo convention centre, Patek Philippe also hosts an event for its Rare Handcrafts at its museum in the city centre. The pieces revealed here are the fruit of the handcraftsmanship that its métiers d’art artisans execute each year in stunning detail. This year, the watchmaker will unveil 78 pieces, including 23 of its instantly recognisable domed table clocks, one desk clock, 10 pocket watches, and 44 Calatrava and Gold Ellipse wristwatches.

Last week, the revered Swiss watchmaker has offered a peek at just two of the one-of-a-kind and limited-edition creations that will debut at its Geneva salon next month. A reference 5738/50J-011 “Yellow-Crested Cockatoo” Golden Ellipse wristwatch and a reference 2019M-001 “Skiing in Days Gone By” domed table clock. Both are meticulously and painstakingly executed in cloisonné enamel. In this traditional decorative Swiss watchmaking technique, gold wires are placed in a design and filled in with enamel to create a scene. On top of this enamel, each is delicately hand-painted. The Ellipse required 90 cm of gold wire shaped by hand and 20 shades of opaque and opalescent enamel, while the table clock used over 16 m of gold wire in three different widths and 45 shades of mainly translucent enamel mixed with some semi-translucent or opaque versions of the material.

Both the Cockatoo and Gstaad skiing themes recreate scenes from the past, albeit centuries apart. The bird is a Swiss take on a painting on silk by 18th-century Japanese artist Itô Jakuchi. Only 10 collectors will get to own one. The one-of-a-kind domed clock—variations of which have been produced at the house since 1958—takes its cues from vintage Swiss graphic design from the 20th century. The center of the dial, unusually, is made from leather to mimic elements that might be found in a Swiss ski chalet. It will likely find itself at home in a chalet in Gstaad or in the home of a client who is a regular at the elite ski area.

As some collectors gravitate towards timepieces that will stand apart in a sea of sports watches (including Patek Philippe’s own Nautilus and now, the Cubitus), artist-led pieces such as these may find increased interest. Regardless, those already in the know about Patek Philippe’s rare handcrafts understand they are incredibly special pieces and instant heirlooms. Those lucky enough to be in Geneva to see (and perhaps purchase) these pieces in real life will get an up-close look at some of the best Grand Feu cloisonné, grisaille, flinqué, paillonné, and Fauré enamel that Switzerland has to offer in addition to hand engraving, hand guilloché, and gem-setting work.

This story was first published on Robb Report USA