Patek Philippe: Guardians of Horological Tradition

ThomasM articulates his profound respect for Patek Philippe, not merely as a watchmaker, but as a guardian of horological traditions and history. He highlights the brand's unique ability to innovate while preserving the past, exemplified by the Patek Philippe Museum's comprehensive collection.

of high watching, in all its facets - chronometry, decorative arts, craftsmanship, technical development and history.

What I respect about the Sterns and the entire Patek Philippe organization is that not only are they above the fray - they do what they do, and they do it well, and somehow they are able to consistently remain above the petty squabbling, backbiting, rug pulling that so much of the rest of the industry seem to love to engage in;

Not only are they above the fray, they also consistently seem to be able to advance the state of the art while respecting and helping preserve the history and traditions of this field we all love so much. For too many others, it is usually one or the other - charging headlong into the future at the expense of the past;

or mired in the past and hiding behind quaint traditionalism as a shield, an excuse, for a dearth of inspiration and a lack of relevance for the present or the future. 

To be able to understand the present and the future in the context of the past is humbling; hubris too easily runs rampant in the absence of this. The breadth and depth of the Patek Philippe museum is a testament to the ultimate confidence of the guiding spirits behind the company - testament to the passion and respect for their chosen field; testament to the humility required to be willing to share with the world that no, wandering hours or dual escapements or enameling is not a singular, contextless achievement reached in a vacuum and pinnacled by Patek Philippe today as a commercial ne plus ultra and thus deserving of your purchasing dollar. Their humility shown in their willingness to display to the world the great achievements of the past, and to present their current achievements in the context of a timeline of great achievements belonging to others, belies a calm, proud confidence in the quality of their work - no need for communications hyperbole, let the achievement speak for itself. And speak loudly it does.

A simple visit to the Patek Philippe museum in Geneva makes the point about the greatness of the company and its leadership more effectively than a thousand PR words or the ten thousand words that result from the hacks that too often just "fill in the blanks."

I have visited many "house museums" and more often than not, they are homages to the house; self - aggrandising exercises that border on onanistic ego-stroking.  I usually visit as a friend and fan (though not a fan-boy) of the host brand, so the ego-centrism is understandable, even wish fulfilling, but somehow, like a haute cuisine meal served by a master chef who has somehow gotten a bit too carried away with himself, that meal more often than not is not entirely satisfying in its depth, breath, or profundity.

What is so amazing about the Patek Philippe museum is that not only is it a showcase for the amazing richness of the history of the brand, entire floors are dedicated not to Patek Philippe, but rather the entire timeline of development and breadth of the various specializations of high watchmaking - not just the obvious chronometric achievements and advances, but also metiers elevated to art.

Enameling, guillochage -

astronomic complications

display complications including wandering hours and minutes and even digital displays based on mechanical movements -

even iconic case designs that are identified with other brands...

two escapements? hmmm...

As Patek Philippe fans, we can be proud that the products born from the workshops of our favorite brand are the best there is - not that there are no others, or that there are no equals, but that there are no better.

But as lovers of horology and the art of watchmaking, we can be proud that our love and passion for watchmaking are shared by the powers that be in the company.

It is said that the true measure of a man or company lies not in what they do because they have to for commercial success, but rather what they do even if there is no a priori commercial motivation or requirement to do so.

With the opening (I was there in autumn 2001) and the ongoing maintenance of the Patek Philippe museum, a profound insight can be gleaned into the heart and soul of the brand and the company behind it.

Chapeau

TM