Patek Philippe 7040 Minute Repeater watch, combining machine engraving and enamel

The Ladies First Minute Repeater, reference 7000R-001, was available from 2011 to 2017 with a rose gold case and opaline dial. Now it is replaced by a new, exquisite white gold model with a slightly larger case diameter and a blue Grand Feu transparent enamel dial and diamond-set bezel.

The sleek dial is a combination of two crafts: guilloché and enamel. The gold dial base is first hand-decorated with a volute pattern inspired by the “Siamese Fighting Fish” pocket watch, reference 992/137G-001, 2019; then, using the rare craft of transparent enamel, a deep blue transparent enamel is added to the dial, revealing the bottom decoration. The elegant white gold spear-shaped hour and minute hands stand out against the dial in a bright and vivid color.

The spiral pattern that spirals outward from the center of the surface is composed of repeated geometric lines, showing a delicate and neat rhythm. Since there is no gap between the patterns and they are closely connected, the craftsman must have a sharp eye and a steady hand to operate the machine and the chisel to decorate the regular pattern on the small dial.

The diamond-set bezel adopts the “flame setting” technology, staggered with two rows of 168 top-grade flawless Wesselton diamonds (approximately 0.78 carats), sparkling. This exclusive patented setting technology requires the craftsman to use a sharp flat-headed chisel to cut grooves on the white gold base between the diamonds, allowing light to penetrate from below, making such a precious decoration more transparent.

The R 27 PS automatic winding movement is equipped with a 22K gold micro-automatic disk, with flowing lines (5.05 mm thick), which makes the case more elegant. The two classic double-tone gongs have a bright tone. The movement structure and various carefully processed details can be seen under the sapphire glass case back. There is also a solid platinum case back for conversion. It is paired with an elegant sea blue crocodile leather strap and a platinum pin buckle set with 26 diamonds (approximately 0.18 carats).