Patek Philippe, Geneva's last independent family-owned manufactory, has done it again. Surprise. To break all the forecasts. To bet and triumph big. During the celebration of its sixth edition of the Watch Art Grand Exhibition in Tokyo, in the basement of the Sumitomo Sakaku Hiroba skyscraper in the Nishi-Shinjuku district, it was planted with no more and no less than two technical world firsts.
Its new quadruple self-winding complication (reference 5308P-010) and the first universal time model with date indication adjusted to local time (reference 5330G-010) represent a revolution only affordable for the Genevan firm, which also provided a version exclusive of the minute repeater with universal time (reference 5531R-014); an elegant reinterpretation of the Moon Phases model for women (reference 7121/200G-010) and two new refined-style Calatrava (references 6127G-010
Watch Art is the great fine watchmaking festival for lovers (and collectors) of the most powerful firm in the sector. The most important exhibition ever organized by the company run by the Stern family (and by anyone in the sector), was also accompanied by a rich collection of pieces of high craftsmanship. As heir to the great Genevan tradition, Patek Philippe has always strived to convey her passion for fine watchmaking through her exhibitions.
In the 1970s and 1980s, at the height of the quartz crisis, the manufacture played a major role in the revival of the mechanical watch thanks to traveling exhibitions such as La main créatrice and La montre oeuvre d'art. Later, a decade ago, he started with Watch Art, the world event in which he makes his creations, his legacy and his philosophy better known.
In this latest edition held in the most iconic space in the center of Tokyo's Nishi-Shinjuku skyscraper district, the firm created a 2,500m2 assembly that evoked the streets of Geneva and the shores of the lake, including the famous Flower Clock. There, more than 500 watches and objects illustrating the vast experience and art of the Genevan family manufacture were brought together and it was possible to admire the entirety of its permanent collection.
Japan represents a very important historical market for Patek Philippe, a market for connoisseurs and lovers of high craftsmanship who appreciate all the technical excellence and painstaking workmanship that goes into creating a watch.
Miniature painting on enamel, cloisonné enamel, hand engraving, micro-marquetry on wood, manual guilloché and setting, carefully preserved by Patek Philippe, took pride of place in the exhibition of 40 unique pieces and inspired limited series. in Japanese culture, its rich artistic repertoire and its ancestral techniques.
