The flamed gold technique is inspired by the method of bluing watch hands in a flame. It requires a great mastery of intense heat since the most precise temperatures are needed to elicit the colours: the hottest flame produces blue; the coolest produces beige. The pattern of the panther’s coat is engraved – or ‘brushed’ – onto the 18-carat-gold dial. The gold plate is heated in a flame to produce an initial colour, and returned to the flame as many times as necessary until the full palette of colours has been produced.
The outcome of such minute, delicate handiwork is suitably impressive. The depth of the rich animal palette ranging from beige to brown is contrasted with blued apple-shaped hands. The bezel is paved in baguette-cut diamonds, a flash of fire that brilliantly illuminates the artwork. The creature is strikingly lifelike from the top of the ears to the tip of the nose.
