Comments:
Well, the book just made it to the southern hemisphere!
The cars on the other hand seem a bit slow to reach the destination 😁😁. Got to see the news 6007g blue in the flesh as well - boy it is a good looking watch!
Congrats Sir, these volumes are themselves little treasures, a must-have for any good collector's library! They should be shipped to ADs all over the world these days, so hopefully many interested Rare Handcraft collectors can have a copy soon👍 Enjoy!
Thanks, I'm grateful to Patek and a few ADs for the initial issues (some are from before I got into collecting Rare Handcrafts), because this is truly THE favorite corner of my personal Patek library!❤️
Still waiting on Geneva to print a few copies of the 2020-21 Volume for Italy (it has my "School of Fish" in it! 
) and then my RH book collection is complete!
) and then my RH book collection is complete! Cheers.
Thanks my friend, it’s not a stretch for me to say that nearly all (modern) timepieces I could ever desire are contained in these books!🙏❤️
I am hunting old ones too!
I’ve only got the last five years or so. A few are available on eBay but cost a fortune!
It did take me a few years too for the initial volumes, but in the end it was definitely worth it! :-) Cheers.
Just a long-overdue update, since I recently received from Geneva the 2020-21 Rare Handcraft volume, so my beloved book collection is FINALLY complete! :-)
Heartfelt thanks to Patek HQ for the special delivery this winter Cheers.
Cheers.
That’s epic!
I agree with everything you’ve said here. These books are reference material. And the quality of printing is amazing.
Indeed, it's also worth mentioning that the quality of printing is really top notch for each of these volumes....As usual, when Patek does something, it definitely does it the best way! :-)
It probably cost them a mini fortune to print these I am sure. Not that they cant afford 😁😁
It surely does, I don't have figures but each issue of the Magazine (there are typically 2/year) costs over $1M....so I wouldn't be surprised if we are well into the 6 digits/year here, given the limited production but amazing quality of these books!
The Rare Handcraft volumes are an excellent way to celebrate such a highly exclusive and rarefied production. I find them perfectly consistent with Patek's general approach, another magnificent (and expensive! ;-) expression of which we are witnessing these days with the Grand Exhibit: Whatever you do, do it amazingly well!
PS: Speaking of which, on the right is another portion of my personal Patek library that I'm particularly proud of, for all the work that I had to put in (and since I started collecting Patek watches in 2008, I again needed Patek's help big time for all the initial issues! ) However, I haven't quite finished my job yet....can you recognize the ONE issue that is still missing?
) However, I haven't quite finished my job yet....can you recognize the ONE issue that is still missing? Cheers.
Volume 1, issue 2??😁😁
That is an amazing collection and a wealth of knowledge right there !!! How did you find the past editions? From Patek?
Tanya Edwards started the magazine right ?
Thank you
Yep, the “elusive” Vol. I, issue no. 2!😄 Of course, you can probably find it used on eBay, but since I don’t buy used watches I don’t want used books either…whence I’m on a (likely indefinite) wait that it pops up at some AD or Patek regional branch!😂😉
Good luck finding the missing piece in the puzzle!!
I take it you mainly collect contemporary productions as opposed to vintage if you do not wear “used” watches. That is quite interesting!
Many thanks, as I'll try to reply to your (and all other) PMs hopefully by tomorrow :-) So far I *only* bought new from ADs for a variety of reasons, though certainly for vintage (or even discontinued) pieces nobody has any other choice...
I'm not there yet though, in part given the broad choice we are being offered by the Brand today, which I'm of course readily familiar with (and generally love a lot! ) But like many other collectors, I too am *greatly* fascinated by a number of models of historical relevance when it comes to Patek...including its earlier Rare Handcraft production
) But like many other collectors, I too am *greatly* fascinated by a number of models of historical relevance when it comes to Patek...including its earlier Rare Handcraft production Also, to purchase well, I know I would humbly need to study A LOT in that area first. We'll see what the future brings along, but as long as I'm admittedly very fortunate to have access to certain contemporary watches, I might feel fully satisfied with them
Cheers.
Looks great
I must try and get a copy. More importantly how do collectors get the ability to own these rare handcrafted models each year. I have 3 Pateks, all from my AD. Do you have to achieve a certain volume to gain access or is it just relationships?
I wouldn't view it in terms of 'volume' (watches are normally pretty small...), but rather whether you are a passionate collector, already known to Patek or its ADs, and of course with a strong prior record of in-catalog allocations :-)
I believe you recently received a beautiful Grand Complication, a Nautilus, and also a very popular Calatrava, all via official channels. Given this, even if I can't speak for your AD (they would need to support your application, and might or might not have to make choices among their clients), in my opinion it DOES make sense for you to at least show interest for a Rare Handcraft
I try to make a live announcement every year as the moderator of this forum when Patek sends me the Rare Handcraft materials, so that collectors all over the world can *immediately* express interest for a specific model they might like. That --- or at least within the first few days of an announcement --- is the best time, since normally ADs are required to submit their client applications in short order.
Please do grab a copy of this gorgeous volume from your AD at your earliest convenience (they have received more than one this year, and I claim that you deserve it! ) Also, ask to attend one of their upcoming client events, if you haven't been invited yet, so you can discuss your interest with your local Patek representatives as well. Hope this helps!
) Also, ask to attend one of their upcoming client events, if you haven't been invited yet, so you can discuss your interest with your local Patek representatives as well. Hope this helps! Cheers, FabR
Thank you
I need to go back and thank my AD for the nautilus anyway so will add the book request to the list!
You’re on a roll !
You’ve got a very good AD. I’m sure they’ll be happy to accommodate your request. All the best !
yes, indeed. love the cover, so much attention to detail
patek does a fine job even with the magazine and the books.