1985-2006

While the pristine white porcelain dial looks completely smooth at a glance, under high-magnification horological loupes, the lacquered surface has a subtle, microscopic graining. This design choice prevents environmental glare from blinding the wearer when reading the time in brightly lit offices. The hobnail layout is intensely functional; the high peaks of the gold pyramids act as a natural shield, taking the brunt of minor daily scuffs and hiding scratches far better than standard polished gold bezels. Patek Philippe custom-forges the hands out of solid 18kt white gold before treating them to a dark nickel-oxidized plating. This prevents the hands from ever rusting or oxidizing over centuries of ownership.