Mao Die Tu Gold Microcarving Wristwatch
Inventory number: WW2312020LC
Created in 2023, 36mm, platinum case, reference no. 1755.This Breguet watch was commissioned by a collector in Hong Kong and entrusted to Mei Hua for its exquisite hand-carved design. The theme of the dial is inspired by Emperor Huizong's painting Mao Die Tu Scrolls. In Chinese, the pronunciation of the cat is the same as Mao, while the butterfly is Die, these two words are pronounced the same as "耄耋", which implies longevity by homophones. The combination of cats and butterflies is a recurring theme in Chinese painting. Due to its auspicious connotations, the " Mao Die Tu" theme has been favored by artists throughout history.
By using micro-carving techniques, the black and white cat and bamboo forest are meticulously crafted. The black cat is treated with an oxidized silver coloring technique, while the white cat is made of 18K white gold micro-carving. The foreground features a micro-carved bamboo forest in 18k yellow gold, against a background of copper-woven brocade, creating an elegant and rustic atmosphere that enhances the overall charm of the artwork.
The watch was launched by Breguet in 2000, in a very rare limited edition of 225 pieces to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the brand's foundation. The re-commissioning of the customized dial adds uniqueness and elegance to the whole piece. Equipped with a Cal.591B self-winding movement, the automatic tourbillon is hand-engraved with the date "1775-2000".