Patek Philippe

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..

 

I like this watch...... LOL

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

This message has been edited by imran in london on 2011-05-19 11:09:56

Love the 1924 vertical register chronograph and it's nice to compare the old and new cushion models.  Sounds like a great event - you were appropriately attired with a 5970p.  All the best.

.

And thanks, also, for the mini scoop about the steel 5004.

Personally, among those you showed, I will faithfully stick to my favourites: 5970 P and 5070 P.

I can imagine how you felt in front of such great pieces, Imran.

Thanks for the post!

Best.

Nicolas

Damned, I HAD TO BE THERE

Chronographs are for me the most interesting and beautifull watches available. I appreciate tourbillons and repeaters but I'll pick a chrono over a tourbillon every day of the week. That must have been a great evening

Thanks for this post !

Here's a picture of a Patek chrono I took yesterday ( used a new light box) , a friends watch .. probably my dearest friend

 

 

This Naughty Lus is growing on me...

A Manual and An Automatic Chrono from PP... Now that would be a cool pair.

Are you thinking about it?

Bext,

Nicolas.

I always want more than I can afford. Most of us will have this problem  LOL

Now, if I could afford it WITHOUT NEEDING TO SELL  quite a few other watches I love I would buy it without any doubt. But right now, I just can't afford it or I don't want to sell 5 others to buy a 5980

Can't have everyting I want :-(

If only we can, from time to time, get some of our dream watches...



Do you follow me, because I hardly follow myself.



Best,

Nicolas.

we can but dream.......

Best

 Imran

the 5004 is nice for sure but so out of my league.

Now, if they would make a very limited run of a 5070 in steel ... I would sell almost everything I have .... hmmm  imo nothing beats a 5070

imagine a 5070/a with beige cream dial  - baileys color... yummy yummy

But with this configuration, I would have a serious look on it!

Best,

Nicolas.

Imram,

Would you make a photoshop of a 5146p with the blue dial of the 5960P.
Just to see if it's fit.
Thanks a lot.
A dreamer for special order.

No message body

Very nice indeed.

great photos. Thanks!

Oliver

Really enjoyed this post. Thanks for taking us along.

to enter that building upon first sight. Looks like an ideal place for a mugging, especially when wearing a 5970P.

Glad you made it out.  What a superb presentation! Patek chronos are the benchmark but only for the chosen few.

Thanks for sharing.

fernando

Thank you, for bringing us along

HAGWE,

--

Richard.

For bringing to us your report and photos on this unique exhibition.

Regards

Tony

At present Patek is only taking orders for the 5004A and then it will be up Thiery Stern to decide who gets the allocation. Production is to be over 3 years, with 50 pieces a years that will be produced. A marketing coupe for Patek. I have been promised one already, so I am happy.

Best,

K

I recognize some watches which were displayed at the chronograph exhibition in Paris when the new chronograph caliber was unveiled.

Fx

I have thought that the 5070P is the most beautiful "simple" chronograph ever produced by Patek, and this report does not change my mind.

My favorite complication.

for sharing those treasures!

Oliver

Imran,

Thank you for the great reporting and wonderful pictures. I have a soft spot for chronograph wristwatches and this post made my heart beats a tad faster. LOL.

I am looking to add to my 5960P. Hopefully they'll make 5270 in either platinum or steel.

Cheers.

for sharing your experience with us....

It must have been fun and you had a great companion on your wrist!



Cheers

A very nice event at an interesting venue location.

Nevertheless, the most important is the content present at the venue, and Patek Philippe's array of classic and current chronographs does not disappoint! Thank you for sharing this important and impressive array of fine timepieces with us Imran!