Patek Philippe

ImranLondon
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Patek Chronograph Exhibition London

The venue chosen for Patek to showcase their prowess in the production of chronographs was the famous Battersea powerstation. When I first arrived, to be honest I thought OMG...can there really be an exhibtion from Patek here? The building itself is listed, and it is only when you go inside you see some of the most amazing art deco artwork..it is truely incredible what you see..

Whilst Patek Philippe is famed for its calendar complications, minute repeaters and tourbillons its contribution to the development of the chronograph is often overlooked. Patek Philippe has been producing exceptional wrist chronographs since the dawn of the wristwatch. In 1902 Patek Philippe applied for the first ever patent for a split second’s chronograph. Indeed it was a split seconds Patek Philippe chronograph made in 1922 that became the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction in 1999, when $1.92 million dollars was handed over by its new owner.

 The first chronographs manufactured in the 1920’s were made in tonneau and round Officers style cases. The chronograph mechanism would be operated just by the crown and are referred to by collectors as the single button chronographs. A magnificent example in a round Officers style case, with vertically placed subsidiary dials and wire lugs, was sold by Christies in their now famous Geneva auction for the princely sum of   SFr 832,000. We shall see some of these marvels later....

Presentations were done on the rich history of chronography from the house. In the first event (the one I attended), this was done by the lovely Jasmina Steele, International head of Marketing and relations. The evening event, for clients (wish I was there....to meet fellow purists ) was hosted by Mark Hearn head of Patek in the UK and Thierry Stearn.

Once the presentation was over, It was time to enter the mysterious "square" in the middle of the exhibition area...

inside we had almost the complete history of Patek chronographs..

enjoy...

If you think these pocket watches were stunning, just have a look at these early wrist chronographs..

It was in the 1930’s with the launch of the ref.130 that “serial” production of chronographs began. Whilst the ref.130 is perhaps the most recognised of all vintage Patek Philippe chronographs, there are some rare and extremely valuable variations within the reference...and one of the rarest is a combination of steel and rose gold

Two years after the outbreak of the Second World War, and less then ten years after Jean and Charles Stern had acquired the ailing company, they launched the world’s most complicated serial production chronograph. Equipped with a perpetual calendar the new chronograph, the ref.1518, would set new standards for complications in a wristwatch. It was a bold and audacious move, as today many regard the Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph as the definitive collector’s wristwatch. This new masterpiece displayed the moonphase as well as the day, date and month. What makes this series so special was the clarity with which Patek Philippe displayed all the information on the dial. Couple this with the most alluring case shapes and once again, you have a winning formula.

The reference 2499, which was manufactured between 1951 and 1985, is without doubt for me the ultimate collectable reference ever made by Patek Philippe. When it was launched in 1951, it was the most complicated wristwatch being manufactured in serial production. It is unbearably beautiful, technically masterful and has a movement to die for. The “2499” has become perhaps the most singled out reference amongst collectors in terms of prestige.

In 1985, Patek Philippe premiered the now famous ref.3970. Visually it shared the aesthetics of the 2499, but in a smaller 36mm case. Also, for the first time the leap year indication was displayed on the dial. Crafted in all the gold’s as well as platinum .. The first series of Ref. 3970 a case with a snap-on case back and two tone dial, it is particularly desired as it is considered extremely rare since it was produced in fewer than 100 examples. This was followed by the second series with solid screwed back cases. Eventually the ref.3970E was produced with a sapphire display case back.  

and now for the modern collection from the humble simple two register chronographs to the ultimate reference, the awesome and awe inspiring 5208..

and the watch for the evening.....

I even set the moonphase....

As for special announcements, there were none...but I can confirm the very very limited production of te steel 5004. Only from Geneva, and if you don't already have one ....you won't get one.

Hope you enjoyed this tour .

Best to all

Imran