The Art of Watches: Inside Patek Philippe's Grand Exhibit

Patek Philippe celebrates the distinctive world and artistry of watchmaking in a special exhibit in the heart of New York

In what proved to be a truly exceptional affair, the prestigious watch brand Patek Philippe, among the last family-owned watch companies from Geneva, shared its rich history and showcased 178 years of heritage and expertise in a recent exhibit that revealed the elements that contribute to the makings of a great timepiece and a strong family-owned enterprise.

The grand exhibit was held in the majestic Cipriani building on 42nd Street. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, the iconic building showcases towering marble columns, soaring ceilings, magnificent inlaid floors, and glorious chandeliers.

Above Rendering of the Art of Watches exhibit

The beautifully designed old world interiors perfectly set the tone for Patek Philippe’s grand exhibit. Meticulously planned and well-executed, the entire event provided different avenues for visitors to rediscover the brand’s DNA and philosophy.

A presentation of the current Patek Philippe collection set the tone for all that was in-store for viewers, collectors, and watch afficionados. A Film Theatre room held screenings of the beautifully-made documentary that paid tribute to the beginnings of the brand and its legacy.

Some of the more unique destinations in the exhibit were the Museum Room, US Historic Room, and Napoleon Room—all of which were dedicated to displaying historical artefacts that added to Patek Philippe’s growth across almost two centuries. The Napoleon Room was meticulously designed to emulate the magical Patek Philippe Salon on the Rue du Rhone. Visitors got a glimpse into the famed Geneva salon which has served many buyers and collectors throughout the years.

Above The Gold Seekers dome table clock features the Brooklyn Bridge by night; Special Edition Rare Handcrafts Yosemite Valley- themed pocket watch with enamel painting; a yellow gold Patek Philippe pocket watch with 45 rose-cut diamonds offered by Queen Louise to King Charles IX of Denmark in 1867; historical pocket watch from the 1850s with enamel portrait of the first US President George Washington; Queen Victoria of Great Britain’s pendant watch presented to her during the great exhibition of London in August 1851

For a more immersive experience, The Art of Watches exhibit included galleries that paid tribute to the artisans behind the classic timepieces. Patek Philippe creations are known to steal
the show every now and then, most of which are now coveted collectors’ items. For instance,
in the Rare Handcrafts Gallery, live artisans demonstrated the methods used to embellish dome clocks, pocket watches, and enamel timepieces.

An homage to the decorative techniques employed by their artisans is the treasured dome table clock. The rounded surfaces offer a perfect canvas for the virtuoso skill of enamelling. Flower and animal patterns are classic Patek Philippe designs, alongside newer motifs like One Thousand and One Nights Tales, Samurai, Crystal Chandelier, Mother and Child, and Old London—all of which are inspired by imagery from high culture. Here, visitors learned about the delicate watch- making process which demonstrates the incomparable commitment of Patek Philippe to quality, technique, and ingenuity.

Highlighting the technical aspect of these timepieces was The Watchmakers’ Room, which provided an exclusive preview into the inner workings of the famed mechanical watches. This was a lively contrast to the Grand Compilation Room and The Movement Room that offered a glimpse of the rarer and more complicated timepieces the brand has ever created. In these rooms, Patek Philippe proved how they redefined the field of haute horologerie through innovation, dedication, and unrivaled technical prowess.

Lastly, the Interactive Room provided an immersive journey of discovery through a sneak peek into the Patek Philippe Manufacture in Geneva. To punctuate the momentous celebration, Patek Philippe created nine limited special editions of ladies’ and men’s watches, made to manifest the brand’s in-depth expertise in all of its facets. These timepieces showcase the exceptional artisanal skills required in creating each unique watch, all of which were adorned with motifs alluding to the city of New York and the USA.

For 178 years, Patek Philippe has continued to be a resolute symbol of excellence not only in the field of horologerie, but moreover, in the world of art itself. Each timepiece continues to be a manifestation of a brand of craftsmanship that can only be forged through time and its undulating challenges.

Tatler Asia

The Art of Watches: Inside Patek Philippe's Grand Exhibit