Manufacture
Mark in Paris announces the release of "The Patek Philippe Authorized Biography" by Nicholas Foulkes, a comprehensive work spanning over 500 pages with 600 images. This highly anticipated book offers an unprecedented look into the Genevan manufacture's history, drawing from exclusive interviews and archival access, promising a rich and engaging read for enthusiasts.
Written by Nicholas Foulkes, an acclaimed specialist in art and horology, and spanning over 500 pages (with 600 images, including specially commissioned photography by Andy Barter, Richard Foster, Jonas Marguet, and Jennifer Niederhauser Schlup), this work describes the evolution of the independent Genevan manufacture from its beginnings in 1839 to the present. The English edition is being released now and will be followed by other languages as of 2018.
It is based on exclusive interviews with the company’s owners, staff and watchmakers but he also had access as you imagine to the whole company's archives.
Many of you already know the author from previous readings. I'm glad this has been made by a passionate and kowledgeable enthusiast. From the press release, we understand that Nicholas Foulkes goes through Patek Philippe’s history from founder Antoine Norbert de Patek’s early life in Poland as a young cavalry officer. He recounts Patek’s exile, his life in Geneva, his meeting with gifted watchmaker Jean Adrien Philippe, and the 1932 purchase of the company by the Stern family, whose members, over four generations, have thave made what this company is today. This is what we expect from a biography but it seems to have been done in a very accurate, compelte and enjoyable way. This is very rare from the books I could consider byuing in the past in watchmaking (or even other fields).
As a sidenote, the book reserves a little treat while revealing, for the first time, the story of a unique timepiece bought by Queen Victoria for her husband Prince Albert. It will hence contain numerous previously unseen photos including one of a watch loaned to the company by its owner, Queen Elizabeth II.
In addition, Nicholas Foulkes was granted privileged access to interview the widow of famed Swiss jewelry designer Gerald Genta, who was responsible for the design of the first Nautilus model in 1976.
"Reflecting the author’s eclectic cultural background, the richly illustrated book maps out a fascinating journey that spans the last two centuries. Its focus is on trends in art and the progression of watchmaking within a broader historic context."
I think this will make the biography very exciting reading and not the kind of boring and linear recount of historical facts.
A little quote from Philippe Stern:
“I am very pleased to see the history of my family’s company come to life in this excellent volume. This is the first time that the Patek Philippe archive has been accessed and brought to life in a factual and definitive work. Nicholas Foulkes has perfectly recreated the atmosphere and details of our 175-year journey.”
Philippe Stern
Honorary President of Patek Philippe
- And a sum-up of the author, Nicholas Foulkes, for those who wish to learn more:
Nicholas Foulkes is the author of around twenty books. He is best known for his critically acclaimed trilogy of nineteenth-century histories: Scandalous Society: Passion and Celebrity in the Nineteenth Century (a biography of Count d’Orsay); Dancing Into Battle: A Social History of the Battle of Waterloo; and Gentlemen and Blackguards: Gambling Mania and the Plot to Steal the Derby of 1844. Foulkes is a columnist for Country Life magazine; a contributing editor to the FT’s How To Spend It magazine; a contributing editor to Vanity Fair; luxury editor of British GQ; and special horological consultant for the Patek Philippe magazine. He is the founding editor of Vanity Fair On Art, and he has written about the arts for a wide range of periodicals. In 2009, he was appointed to the board of the Norman Mailer Center. He is a graduate of Hertford College, Oxford, and lives in London with his wife and two sons, who have graciously accepted his obsession with fine watches – a predilection that has possessed him since childhood.
Fianlly, a few additional elements:
- 544 pages, 25 chapters, including a 40-page watch reference appendix and picture notes
- Format 289 x 305 mm
- Print run of 10,000 copies published in English, November 2016
- Other language versions to follow as of 2018
The book can be ordered via on Patek's website as of now (http://www.patek.com/en/company/library), for a temporary 1-month exclusive period. You can also see the official VIDEO for the book.
Then, starting in December 2016, it will also be available for purchase at the Patek Philippe Museum Geneva, the Patek Philippe Salons in Geneva, London and Paris, and from local authorized Patek Philippe retailers. you can contact for availability. The book will also be available from bookstores.
- Price: 220 CHF, which compared to watch books and the work that was performed here is very well placed imho.
Very interesting, I can't wait to get my hands on one! It will probably sit very close to my Patek Philippe magazines and book by John Reardon.
from a different angle and I think very educational and interesting. Cheers Patrick Mark
Best wishes Alkiro
Best wishes Alkiro
I have been waiting for this book and will collect it from the London salon when it is available there soon. Best wishes, Sham
2,837 Patek Philippe listings are live on the eBay market and 1721 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.
This thread is active on the Patek Philippe forum with 16 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
