Patek Philippe Manufacture and Museum Visit
Manufacture

Patek Philippe Manufacture and Museum Visit

By Bruno.M1 · Apr 24, 2015 · 19 replies
Bruno.M1
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Bruno.M1 recounts a privileged two-day experience in Geneva, hosted by his dealer, featuring an exclusive visit to the Patek Philippe Museum and Manufacture. His narrative captures the essence of Patek Philippe's heritage and unparalleled craftsmanship, offering a rare glimpse into the brand's inner workings and the meticulous finishing of every watch part.



Just had a magnificent 2 days !!
Our dealer Degreef ( Belgium  - Brussels) invited us for an extraordinary 2 days in Geneva.
Day 1,  a visit in the Patek museum, I guess it's my 4th or 5th time but every time you are in the museum you discover new art or new important watches.
Most of you know that it is forbidden to take pictures so unfortunately I can't post pictures.

After the museum we had some spare time  so a few of us went the the Patek salon, ofcourse I was one of them  LOL

As usual the staff is very helpful and VERY friendly. I can't remember her name but a women from Belarus showed us everything we wanted to see and afterwards she took 3 of us upstairs to the 5th floor
What a view !!!


the furniture just screams class




Thank you 'lady from Belarus smile '  !!!


Afterwards, back to the hotel and getting ready for a nice diner.

I did several manufacture visits in the past and you never know who the other invitees are, this time it was a PERFECT group. Really met some very friendly man and woman

After diner back to the hotel  - Mandarin Oriental  

Then a pretty short night ( It would have been better if I slept a bit longer)

Next day  … the manufacture visit.

Again … no pictures allowed :-(

just one from the entrance


First we got some info about total production numbers an we saw the move 'Grande Master Chime' I think I don't have to tell you I probably saw it already 10 times  LOL

FINISHING  …
If there is one thing I will remember forever, it must be the finishing of all their watch parts. Again, done other manufactures before but I did not see any other manufacture that finishes EVERY part to such a high level. The polishing of pinions / wheels / …   is just amazing. 

When you go upstairs and take a look at the master watchmakers ( those that make the repeaters, tourbillons, split seconds) you're just blown away.

15 minutes later we listened to every repeater

Then is was time to have another dinner  … Luck was on my side because I sat right next to  Mr Stern  smile
I fade out my face,  I prefer discretion or I'm too ugly, the choice is yours  :--)









After the dinner and the very interesting talk with Mr Stern we saw other parts of the manufacture and we saw the entire watch collection.

This time I was allowed to take pictures. Not with a great camera but my iPhone so I did not take the best pictures 



First some of my favorite Calatrava's






and my favorite Gondolo's



Aquanaut with  bracelet, imo much better then the rubber strap





the new 5711 pink gold  … very nice irl



maybe my favorite nautilus






Would I ever buy a watch with diamonds ?
NO
But somehow this looked so cool. Maybe over the top 
But after holding it some time I started to like it. Never thought I would say this



Tried it on the wrist and I really liked it




the regulator ain't bad neither



just a picture in this case  … no introduction, you all love it  smile





if you like a skeleton




most alkyd about
and like said before … I like it




5270R   … very well made, imo much better than the G



unless we're talking about the 5270 G with the magnificent bleu dial



to make the set complete .. with the white dial




THE 2015 star

the 5370 split second



hell yeah !!!!!


the (bigger 5960)



the art of engraving





8 days, took long before it went in production but they are finally here





WOW  … my favorite grande complication

the celestial



want some extra diamonds ?


or what about the one with black dial







Thanks to Degreef, Mr Stern and the lady from Belarus in the Patek salon.
 






This message has been edited by Mark in Paris on 2015-05-07 07:18:55

About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5960

The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5960A, introduced in stainless steel, represents a significant offering within the brand's annual calendar chronograph series. This particular reference is notable for being the first annual calendar chronograph from Patek Philippe to be offered in a non-precious metal, making it a distinctive piece in the Complications collection. It combines practical complications with a robust case material, appealing to collectors seeking a blend of utility and horological complexity.

This reference features a 40.5mm stainless steel case, housing the self-winding Caliber CH 28-520 QA 24H. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 55 hours and is visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The dial is presented in white, protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. The integrated stainless steel bracelet complements the case material, providing a cohesive aesthetic.

The 5960A in stainless steel holds a specific position for collectors due to its material choice and the integrated bracelet, differentiating it from its precious metal counterparts. Its combination of an annual calendar and chronograph functions, along with the 24-hour indication, makes it a highly functional and mechanically interesting timepiece. The special hand set and case back decoration mentioned for this specific 5960A further emphasize its unique attributes within the production run.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.CH 28-520 QA 24H
Case
stainless steel
Diameter
40.5mm
Dial
white
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

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The Discussion
MA
Mark in Paris
Apr 24, 2015

Bruno, you made my day :) I must go and have a visit of the manufacture (can you tell me how long does it last?) It is like if I we were there, thank you very much for taking the time to take pictures where you could. I'm eager to see many of the novelties and other beautiful models I'm beginning to like (Gondolos...). I forgot we couldn't shoot at the museum... There are so much significant historical pieces in there. Thanks again Bruno! Cheers, Mark

JO
jonrus
Apr 24, 2015

Wow! Years ago, during the Purists' Patek factory visit with Thomas M, we were allowed to take as many photographs as we wanted inside the factory. In fact, the pictures are still posted in the internet to this day!

DR
dr.kol
Apr 24, 2015

I had mine some two years ago and I'm still impressed! Best, Kari

GE
geross
Apr 24, 2015

Someday i will fly to switzerland and go to the Patek museum and geneva saloon. Thanks for bringing us there. Cheers to your sojourn. Best! Geross

MA
Mally
Apr 25, 2015

at the Salon in Geneva is definitely above par. Very dedicated staff & they make you feel special. My special thanks to Patrick... Best Mally

P@
P@trick@Belgium
Apr 25, 2015

No need to say the visit and the warm wellcome from Patek made this trip a never to forget experience ! also my thanks to my AD Degreef Brussels, especially Jacques and Brice who made this possible, and the great group of Patek enthousiasts !! I have to sort out some pix and post them later in this thread ;)

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