Patek Philippe

It's probably well-known that I view Patek Rare Handcrafts as THE highest meeting point between horology and art. Since becoming the Patek moderator for this forum three years ago (technically, co-moderator for the first two years), I dedicated LOTS of my time, energy, and passion to try to popularize these masterpieces, to the benefit of our broad readership of collectors from all over the world

Given their exclusivity and, consequently, the difficulty to acquire them, many collectors have always found Rare Handcraft watches fascinating but, in large part, obscure. So I sincerely appreciate it when someone shares a passion for this unique corner of Patek's production, and finds my forum a useful resource --- whether you are an established collector, a watch enthusiast looking to satisfy a cultural interest....or both! 

For obvious reasons, we mainly treat the subject as collectors here, rather than on a scholarly/academic level.  You can find a number of threads at a simple search. But we are proud that the level of content this forum has recently offered on Rare Handcrafts probably surpasses every other online resource. This includes an ever-increasing number of distinguished members owning one or more of these marvels, as well as our recent tradition of live announcements. (Many out-of-catalog models are often not available on Patek's official site and are first announced here when Patek sends me the material.)

Of course, on the flipside, now that Rare Handcrafts have (almost!) received mainstream recognition, MOST folks who submit an application to Patek are necessarily turned down (production remains *very* limited!). But I'm sure our great collectors can forgive us --- and most importantly, will give it another try in the future! ;-))

I won't include links to the variety of online resources on Rare Handcrafts available outside of WatchProSite, since they can easily be found at a quick search. I'm *not* aware of scholarly-level biographies of contemporary masters, however, such as Anita Porchet or Suzanne Rohr, Christian Thibert, Jérôme Boutteçon, and more. This is a topic academics/researchers working in the field should finally consider, given the interest of the collector community, as well as the unprecedented attention watch collecting is receiving from the general public. For now, you'll find a good number of online resources (interviews, podcasts, even videos), and some are enlightening, both on those gifted individuals and their work. John Reardon of Collectability has done an excellent series recently.

As a curiosity, you'll notice that precious little is publicly available on Jerome Boutteçon. (You'll find a wealth of information on M., his daughter, also a talented artisan working in the business.) He is one of my favorite contemporary artists --- on par with Mrs. Porchet --- and is, in fact, the *only* person authorized to produce wood marquetry dials for Patek Philippe. He's of course also the author of the stunning unique piece Ref. 995/137J that you chose as your avatar

Only a few collectors may be aware that micromarquetry is the latest Rare Handcraft Patek has elected to support and include in its production, during the final years of Philippe Stern's presidency. Wood marquetry first appeared on a Patek pocket watch in 2008, and on wristwatches since 2010 with Ref. 5077P. I personally own one of these masterpieces, Ref. 5089G-020, and Boccadasse aside, it might not be a stretch for me to say it's the Patek I love the most!

I wanted to give you at least a brief reply, Sir, and to personally welcome you as the forum moderator. This is a fascinating and broad topic, which can be treated extensively and at many levels, and I hope you will decide to contribute to the conversation. The last thing I would suggest is to acquire at least one of Patek's dedicated volumes, a must-have for lovers of any of these arts. They have been in production since 2011 and are the most complete resource on Patek's contemporary production. Below is the favorite section of my personal (non-mathematical) library, which took me a few years to put together, thanks to Patek and a number of ADs (this summer it will hopefully again be complete with the addition of the 2020/21 and 2023 volumes! )

Thanks again for joining. I hope my forum can continue to satisfy your interest in this beautiful and culturally important corner of horology --- both on an intellectual/scholarly level and, one day, as an enthusiastic collector!

FabR (Patek moderator)

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