Patek Philippe Museum: History & Manufacture Tour

Hello All:

Long time lurker but a regular on the site for many years.

Since I was visiting Geneva, I took the opportunity to visit the Patek Museum. What a gift for Watch aficionados! Obviously there are so many interesting facets to explore in a museum like this. I will provide you with my biggest impressions:

The attention to detail and design by Patek: I always look at what they do beyond their product. I was impressed with tickets, the illumination design for the display cases and the method of holding the carpets on stairs. All designed carefully, tastefully while being functional. If Patek spent time looking at these small details it makes me confident that the watches receive their due care.

Abraham Louis Breguet was a beast! Is there something that he designed that we don’t still use? My guide was telling me how his watches just work even today after 200 plus years. Unlike many other watches that are displayed.

What is old is new. When you look through history it seems so many designs from the past are inspirations for today’s designers.

Here are few pictures to illustrate what I am talking about. Would love to receive feedback on what your impressions you have of your visit to the Patek Museum. Fun way to spend a few hours.

J.



The tickets are done well! Worth hanging on to. Right kind of paper and artwork.



Not the best photo due to reflections. Light reflected off the mirrors can be set at the appropriate position.


Functional but decorative way of holding the carpet down.


Breguet 1836 - Pocket watch is synchronized with clock and gets wound when placed in it slot overnight!



1791: Mystery double faced pendulum clock with multi materials shaft to correct for heat expansion.


Wandering Hours Watch from 1815! DuBois & Fils, Movement.



Thin watches from mid 1800s. Thin enough to fit inside a coin.

End of Post.