Patek Philippe

Hi All, W&W at the Patek booth was a great experience, and this post contains more photos and information on some of the novelties, while consolidating the links for previous ones by other moderators, members and myself.

 

The day started with a 20-minute taxi ride from downtown hotel to Palexpo, exhibition center next to Geneva airport.  As I rushed out for a 10 o’clock appointment, I had no time for breakfast because of GTG from the night prior somehow ended with (lots of) drinks (as I recall vaguely) at the Leopard Room (a famous bar for attendees at W&W) till the early hours. Fortunately I got to the fair early, quickly checked into the booth, and went straight to the coffee area for some much needed caffeine, croissant, chocolate and ginger booster !

 

After delicious food and drinks, the fun then really started as I went upstairs to a private room where I was showered with new watches.  Patek was most kind to WPS because I had the honor of having Jasmina Steele (International Communication and Public Relations Director) and Ignacio Garcia (Public Relations Specialist) providing the introduction and explanation, with the presence of Jerome Pernici (Commercial and Marketing Director) chiming in with additional remarks.  They were patient with my questions, and answered them in a friendly and professional manner.  I was impressed with their knowledge and insight.

 

After visiting Patek, I went to other brands at the exhibition and the whole place was HUGE.  It was the first day opened to the public and many people were there.  There were restaurants within the complex and they were crowded.  As I was walking around, I noticed stairs to the second floor where more restaurants were located with less people.  Also I saw a conference hall with different meetings on the hour.  I attended one relating to auctions and one of the guest speakers was Auriel Bacs.  It lasted about 45 minutes and was interesting.  There is supposedly a recording of it on the W&W website.

 

I went back for an appointment with Deepa Chant (head of Geneva Master Time, the 100% owned distributor based in Singapore for South East Asia) whom I met back in 2014 in Beijing at the opening party of the Beijing Mason.  We have kept in touch and it is always great catching up with her because she knows the industry so well.  She had with her a fabulous ladies’ WT that was very eye-catching !

 

While waiting for Deepa, I bumped into Thierry at the coffee area and we had a short & sweet discussion.  I mentioned to him that the post on the world famous Patek collector on Khun Chamnong (late father to our member cbb) was well received, and made a BOLD suggestion that something similar be done from the Stern’s perspective on KhunChamnong and cbb.  Thierry felt that it was an idea that he would consider but needed to consult with his team on whether it is feasible.  Hence, my fingers (and toes) are crossed !      

 

Below are photos and key comments from Patek on these pieces plus whatever else I gathered and felt.  Overall, I was impressed with this year’s line-up because of several factors based on some of Patek’s stated overall strategy and my personal take:

1) new movement of 8 days into a round watch with instantaneous day + date (beautiful watch IMO with the blue Leica dial), 

2) PC function in Twenty~4 to extend high complications to female collectors who are becoming a bigger group, 

3) rare handcrafts in regular production with champlevé enamelling on the 5370P so that the sub-dials have lighter color to contrast well with the black enamel background, 

4) vibrant colors on 5370 (dial and strap) and ladies’ Nautilus line to cater to a younger crowd (future big collectors), and 

5) different size and colors for the Cubitus to those who felt 45mm was too large for their wrists (including yours truly).

 

On the other hand, I wished a bit more steel watches could be included.  What are your thoughts and which one(s) do you like ? Personally I love 6196P with salmon dial + 5328G with the blue Leica dial !

Impressive Patek booth 👆


2 big brands next to each other  


Breakfast 👆of (horological) champions 🤣



GtG the night before with 3 Patek watches 
























The contrast of sub-dials to the black enamel is so attractive!  Only 1 out of every 4/5 dials is accepted.  Wastage is 75%/80% ! 😳 





The dial looks great and is matched by a khaki green strap👍







Translucent dial 👍









Vibrant color 👍










40mm fits well for my small wrist