Introduction:

As a creator of exclusive accessories made of exotic leather, I experience true pleasure working with this noble material. Each texture, each shade is a different story, inspiring me to create unique luxury items for connoisseurs of true beauty. This time I was waiting for a special project – creation of unique watches in close cooperation with jeweller Sergey Sofronov. The result of our creative union was the watch ‘Python – Time Keeper’ – a work where history, craftsmanship and artistic taste are organically intertwined.

Project idea:

The project ‘Python – keeper of time’ became a logical continuation of the development of the ‘snake theme’ in our creativity. However, this time we decided to raise the bar by applying a more complex combination of ancient jewellery techniques and paying special attention to detailing. This is not just a watch, it is an ode to craftsmanship embodied in precious metals and exotic leather.

Technical Details:

At the heart of this watch is the vintage Patek Philippe S#91562 movement, dating from 1890-1895. This movement, rich in history, was acquired at an international auction and has found a new life in the 21st century, becoming the basis for our ambitious project.
The case and dial of the watch are made of sterling silver and gold, bringing out the beauty and sophistication of ancient jewellery techniques:

• Touching: To create an intricate look, the outline of a python was applied to a silver base. The jeweller then hand-carved tiny recesses with a dovetail trapezoid profile using a pin, ensuring that the gold inlays were held securely in place. The delicate gold elements were inserted into these recesses with exceptional precision and craftsmanship. The contrast between the yellow gold and the silver colour of the base creates an expressive visual effect, a play of light and shadow, highlighting every single detail, even the smallest.
• Engraving: After tauching, the entire surface of the case and dial has been covered with exquisite hand engraving. This technique, which reached its peak during the Renaissance, made it possible to turn metal into a true work of art. The smallest details, such as the scales, eyes and mouth of the snake, are worked with incredible care, demonstrating the jeweller-engraver’s supreme skill.
• Canfarinage: The engraving has been complemented by the artistic technique of ‘canfarinage’, a special method of decorating the surface with dots, lines and strokes. Canfarinage creates a characteristic grainy texture on the surface of the metal, reminiscent of reptile skin, giving the image of the python a special depth, volume, pleasant tactile sensations and enhancing the impression of the design.

Design details:

The central element of the design is the image of a python wrapping around the case with its rings and crossing over to the dial. The snake is depicted with striking realism, its body curving, showing off every scale. The composition looks dynamic and expressive, creating a three-dimensional effect. The snake literally comes to life before our eyes.
The tip of the snake’s tail, which gracefully comes out of one of the lugs for attaching the strap, deserves special attention. This original and witty solution adds a special zest and integrity to the design of the watch.
A special strap buckle has been made for the watch. Its shape and texture echo the texture of the watch case, creating a harmonious connection between all the elements, completing the image and emphasising the individual character of the watch.

Straps:

For this project, I handcrafted two interchangeable python leather straps. One is in sandy gold tones, perfectly matching the gold elements on the case and dial, creating a warm and luxurious look, emphasising the richness of the watch’s finish. The second is in ash grey shades, harmonising with the silver colour of the case and buckle, giving the watch a more understated and elegant look, accentuating the exquisite engraving and texture of the metal. The straps, like all my pieces, are the result of handmade craftsmanship, which gives them a special value and emphasises the uniqueness of the whole project. Read more about their creation and materials here.

Conclusion:

The ‘Python – Time Keeper’ watches are not just a time meter, they are a symbiosis of jewellery art and leather craftsmanship, the result of painstaking work, creative inspiration and supreme skill. It took the team of craftsmen more than 1000 hours to create this masterpiece. They combine history, tradition and modern trends, being a true work of art worthy of a place in the collection of a true luxury connoisseur.