Collection
GLau's final installment in the horological journey of cbb and her late father, LPPC, transcends mere watch collecting. This article delves into the profound friendship between LPPC and Mr. Philippe Stern, culminating in the extraordinary presentation of the Patek Philippe Grand Master Chime Ref. 5175R. It highlights how deep personal connections can intertwine with the pursuit of horological masterpieces, offering a unique perspective on the values that define true connoisseurship.
If the first two chapters were about a legendary collector's journey and his daughter's own path, this one is about something deeper, Friendship and Legacy, and a moment that left everyone in the room speechless !
A friendship beyond horology
To truly understand what happened in Geneva, you first need to understand the bond between LPPC (Khun Chamnong) and Mr. Philippe Stern.
Recall from the last post that Mr. Stern flew all the way from Geneva to Bangkok to attend LPPC's 80th birthday party, secretly organized by our cheeky cbb ! Think about that for a moment. The head of Patek Philippe, flying halfway around the world for a surprise birthday party. Some friendships go beyond business. Some go beyond a lifetime !
Geneva, 2013. A watershed moment.
At the 2013 VIP event, the 6002G was unveiled as a demo piece. LPPC instantly fell in love with the overall package and, being the demanding customer that he was (i.e. someone who KNOWS what he wants !), he would NOT take no for an answer ! He needed it immediately ! Mr. Stern was taken aback by his "eagerness" and had to explain it was only a demo. He promised to deliver one as soon as a working piece was produced.
To me, the 6002G sky moon tourbillon is definitely a GRAIL because it packs such a strong punch with all its complications along with an amazing enamel dial ! Even cbb thought this was the pinnacle moment of her father's collection. How could anything surpass the 6002G ?
Lo and behold ! In 2014, LPPC and cbb flew to Geneva to celebrate Patek's 175th Anniversary. As soon as they landed, Mr. Stern excitedly got them in for a private viewing of the anniversary pieces on the 5th floor of the Salon. Just Mr. Stern, a technician, LPPC and cbb. After chatting between longtime friends, Mr. Stern personally presented each anniversary timepiece while the technician stood by, with technician himself in awe of the whole scene !
When all the anniversary watches had been shown, cbb noticed the technician bringing out a big, shiny brown wooden box and handing it to Mr. Stern. She could see the excitement on Mr. Stern's face. He wanted to get the FIRST reaction from a true collector, a dear friend, on something nobody outside Patek had seen. He slowly and proudly opened the box, showing and explaining each unique feature of the 5175R Grand Master Chime, the most complicated wristwatch Patek Philippe had ever created !
LPPC was speechless on the design, functions and attractiveness of this new GRAIL.
Then Mr. Stern put the 5175R back into the box, closed it, and turned it to face LPPC.
The name "Chamnong Bhirombhakdi" was already inscribed on it.
"Do you like it ? It's YOURS if you want !"
LPPC was so shocked that he could not reply ! Mr. Stern had to repeat... "Of course, only if you want it." cbb had to nudge her father to respond ! He naturally said a resounding YES after the shock and wanted to wear it right away, but unfortunately had to wait until after the public announcement.
Throughout this entire process, not a single word was exchanged about the price of the Grand Master Chime.
Let that sink in. The most complicated wristwatch ever made, numbered No. 1 of 7, allocated to LPPC personally by Mr. Stern without LPPC ever asking for it and LPPC accepting it on the spot without previous knowledge of this piece and its price (CHF 2.5mn). What a gesture of friendship shown by both icons to each other! No price discussion whatsoever and only admiration for each other. Just two men, decades of trust, and a box with a name already on it !
One per continent. And everyone knew about number 1 of 7.
cbb later learned that each continent was allocated just one piece of the Grand Master Chime. Within Patek, most people knew that Mr. Stern was keeping No. 1 for a client and friend based in Asia.
Nobody said the name. Nobody needed to !
It was understood that LPPC was THE iconic client. THE friend.
A legacy tattooed in ink
Just as Khun Chamnong inspired cbb to love and collect watches, cbb has been passing that same passion to her son, Khun Sunnit (Scott, nicknamed Pi as in the Greek symbol π).
Scott understood that the Grand Master Chime held a special meaning to his grandfather and their family. It was not just a watch. It was the physical expression of a friendship, a surprise, a speechless moment on the 5th floor of the Salon.
To commemorate his late grandfather, Scott got a BIG tattoo of the Grand Master Chime on his arm.
When cbb told me this, it was a WOW moment for me ! Three generations connected through horology. From LPPC's passion, to cbb's dedication, to a grandson who carries the Grand Master Chime not on his wrist, but on his skin, permanently !
To cbb, that afternoon on the 5th floor in Geneva was the most special memory for everyone in that room. It was only after seeing how the Grand Master Chime was presented that she truly realized how deep the friendship between her father and Mr. Stern was.
And now, through Scott's tattoo, that memory lives on forever !
What are your thoughts on this incredible story ? Has a watch in your collection ever carried meaning beyond horology, something that connects generations ? And would YOU get a tattoo of your grail watch ?!
Any questions for cbb on this story ? She has been so generous in sharing these personal family moments with our forum !
If you missed the earlier chapters of the LPPC and cbb story:
Part 1: intro of LPPC's journey www.watchprosite.com
Part 2: cbb’s journey www.watchprosite.com
The Patek Philippe reference 5175 is a highly complex timepiece, distinguished by its intricate grand complications. This particular reference was part of a limited series, showcasing the pinnacle of the brand's horological artistry and technical prowess. It stands as a significant example within the Complications collection, representing a dedication to traditional watchmaking combined with advanced mechanical engineering. The model is notable for its unique combination of functions and the craftsmanship applied to its construction.
This reference features a substantial case crafted from 18k rose gold, housing a highly sophisticated manual-wind movement. The case dimensions are considerable, reflecting the complexity of the caliber it contains. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, allowing for clear visibility of the intricate indications. The movement itself is a testament to meticulous finishing and precise assembly, providing a substantial power reserve to support its numerous functions.
For collectors, the 5175 holds particular interest due to its grand complication status and limited production. It appeals to those seeking a watch that embodies both technical mastery and a high degree of exclusivity. The reference is a key piece for understanding the brand's capabilities in creating multi-complication timepieces, fitting into a lineage of highly regarded and technically advanced watches.
Speechless is the first reaction upon reading this. What an amazing journey and family. This is what Patek is all about prior to all the bundling of jewelry purchases and etc by ADs. We need to hear more of these classic pieces being allocated not based on FAME or SPEND at ADs. The roots of the Patek genesis is based on relationships and that alone should be the deciding factor on allocating references. Nowadays, it seems like anyone with $$$ can purchase even if they are “new” Patek collectors.
It is not about acquisition. It is about relationships built over a lifetime. The kind of bond where someone flies halfway around the world for a surprise birthday party. Where the most complicated wristwatch ever created finds its way to the one person everyone already knew it belonged to. Thank you to cbb for opening the family album and letting us all into these deeply personal moments. Stories like these remind us why we are here. It was never just about the watches. Bill
Thank you so much for sharing it and a big thank you to our dear cbb. I love the passion, the friendship, the nobility of feelings, and… the Grand Master Chime! Would I get my 5098P tattooed on my arm? No. But it’s my pride and joy: my personal (and affordable) time-only “Grand Master Chime”! 😊 Best, Emmanuel
So happy that ccb is continuing his father's legacy, and sharing it with us here.
Each watch I have ever owned reflected something personal and meaningful to me. Both in and of the time I had owned each piece, and looking back on my lifetime altogether. Sharing that, to whichever extent, with this community is an integrally enriching part of that entire journey. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and touching family story with us here. Cheers, Filip
Thanks for sharing and for me these are the moments that are the most memorable ones . Collecting memories while collecting watches. I do have some pieces that have a great story behind them and for me this is priceless and what i really look for when collecting a new piece nowadays. And yes i would def have a tattoo 😉
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