GLau's exclusive report from a high-profile Patek Philippe event offers a rare glimpse into the world of ultra-luxury watch collecting and auctioneering. His account highlights the unique atmosphere of private gatherings where horological masterpieces are showcased, providing valuable insights into market trends and the passion driving top collectors. This article captures the essence of such an event, making it relevant for both seasoned enthusiasts and new collectors interested in the Patek Philippe universe.
So many watches were there that this occasion felt like an auction review ! I was too busy to eat much but was totally full from viewing and inspecting so many watches.
This gathering was held at the classy and elegant Gentry Club, a private members club with rare whisky, cigars and other collectibles created for the VIPs of K11 Musea. K11 Musea is a new destination developed by New World Development with CEO Adrian Cheng’s vision of combining and promoting art, culture and design under one roof. New World Development also owns the famous Carlyle hotel in New York City under its Rosewood brand. The newly opened private club Carlyle & Co., inside Rosewood Hotel within K11 Musea, is modeled after the iconic Carlyle hotel with its famed supper club and Bemelmans jazz bar.
Although he did not present to the audience, the special “attendee” of the evening was THE Legendary auctioneer Tim Bourne, gentleman who auctioned off the highest priced watch in history (excluding charity auctions such as Only Watch) ! He was friendly, and explained to me that the Henry Graves Supercomplication, which was sold for $11mn in 2009, was auctioned off by him in 2014 for a staggering US$24mn !!!! Tim mentioned that the Supercomplication will unlikely see another auction given the buyer’s profile and horological passion.☹️ As a true professional, he would not say who the owner is even though I pestered him on it.😜
A couple years ago, Bonhams the UK auction house made a huge move/investment by hiring Tim THE Legend away from another place. Tim is now helping Bonhams to build its watch business in Asia. He told me the next Bonhams auction will be later on this year. I promised him that I will be there to watch him in action, and he said that he would find more enamel pieces for me to bid on. Was he trying to feed on my enamel addiction?🤣 Thinking more, I should have asked for his autograph and/or a GTG just like a WIS groupie !!😜
Watchbox (a large pre-owned luxury watch company with international presence) was the co-sponsor of the event and it gave a presentation about its vision & mission. It then presented and let the guests inspect trays of watches from big maisons to well-known independent brands: something for everyone. According to Josh (Director of Trading at Watchbox), Watchbox owns over 5,000 pieces in its inventory ! I can only imagine how much it takes to keep this many pieces !
Terence and Josh of Watchbox on the left and middle, & on the right Vanessa, Head of Elite Client at K11. Vanessa, who is a Yale graduate and a former employee of Sotheby’s, has absolute fluency in Chinese (reading, writing and speaking !!!) 
The sounds of the 5208R are fantastic and warm: literally and figuratively music to my ear !
The enamel dial of the blue in the metal is better than press photos ! The enamel dial is smooth and even !
Seeing the 5208R (PCC with ding ding ding) was a total surprise, and so was the 5370P-011 grand feu enamel blue dial. Josh and Terence of Watchbox were kind (perhaps crazy??🤪) enough to allow me to “play” with both. Seeing me drool, my wife immediately warned me about the possible watch prices. Even though she had no idea about their pricing but she knew they were worth way more than our car. Hence I was super careful, especially on the 5208R and 5370P. Unfortunately I could not compare the R to the P because the P was sold the day before the event. Darn !!
Great heft ☝️
Obligatory wrist shot ! Can you name these ☝️ references?
Can you name them all ? ☝️
Bar ☝️ with rare whisky 🥃
Lots of Antiques and cigars ☝️
More antiques ☝️
Lovely view of Central from the spacious balcony ☝️
I had sweet dreams of toying with these grails while drinking whisky & eating cheese platter with prosciutto served that night !
What do you think of these Patek pieces and venue?
p.s. my post on this event on “horological meandering” with photos of non-Patek watches
www.watchprosite.com
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5208
The Patek Philippe reference 5208 is a grand complication that combines a minute repeater, an instantaneous perpetual calendar, and a monopusher chronograph. Introduced at BaselWorld in 2010, this reference showcases Patek Philippe's mastery in integrating multiple complex mechanisms into a single timepiece, distinguishing it as a significant offering within their high-complication portfolio. Its design emphasizes technical sophistication and horological innovation, particularly with the instantaneous jumping perpetual calendar function.
The watch typically features a platinum case, measuring 42mm in diameter, housing the self-winding Caliber R CH 27 PS QI movement. This intricate movement provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The crystal is sapphire, offering clear visibility of the dial and, often, the finely finished movement through a sapphire case back. The construction reflects a commitment to traditional haute horlogerie standards in both materials and finishing.
For collectors, the 5208 represents a pinnacle of Patek Philippe's technical prowess, appealing to those who seek a watch with multiple grand complications. Its combination of a minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and monopusher chronograph places it in an exclusive category. The reference is notable for its technical complexity and the precision required for its instantaneous calendar function, making it a highly regarded piece among connoisseurs of complicated watchmaking.
Specifications
- Caliber
- R CH 27 PS QI
- Case
- Platinum
- Diameter
- 42mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Split-Seconds Chronograph Ref. 5370
The Patek Philippe Reference 5370 is a split-seconds chronograph, a complication highly regarded in horology. It stands out in the Patek Philippe collection for its focus on a technically demanding chronograph mechanism without additional complications, presented in a classic and refined aesthetic. This reference appeals to collectors who prioritize mechanical complexity and traditional watchmaking.
The watch features a 41 mm case, available in either 18k white gold or 18k rose gold, with a polished bezel. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CHR 29-535 PS, a movement known for its innovative split-seconds mechanism and column-wheel control. The power reserve is approximately 65 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial and offers a view of the movement through the case back. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.
This reference is notable for its enamel dial, offered in black or white, which provides a depth and finish characteristic of high-end watchmaking. The 5370 appeals to collectors seeking a pure expression of a grand complication chronograph from Patek Philippe, valuing its technical execution and understated design. It represents a significant offering within the brand's complicated watch lineup.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CHR 29-535 PS
- Case
- 18k White Gold or 18k Rose Gold
- Diameter
- 41 mm
- Dial
- White or Black
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
