Ask anyone who’s seriously interested in horology what - money no object - would be their watch of choice and the chances are that Patek Philippe would be the answer
Adrian Harries of Watches of Switzerland, the only stockist of PP in Wales explains why Patek is so revered.
On almost every level, Patek Philippe is the watch we, in the industry, most admire.
Firstly there is an emotional connection. The company’s history stretches back to 1839 and encompasses an adherence to a set of values that are the envy, and often the blueprint, for all the great watch houses. Independence, exclusivity and craftsmanship that’s second to none.
Then there’s design. Patek want their timepieces to be seen as works of art, not just a means of telling time. Their aesthetics avoid passing fashions and never appear dated and fit perfectly with their philosophy of passing a Patek Philippe piece from generation to generation.
And finally, there’s Patek’s unswerving determination to place technological innovation at the heart of everything they do. As a consequence, there’s a host of ground-breaking and land-mark timepieces that bear the Patek Philippe name. Amongst the more remarkable are the Calibre 89, the most complicated movement in the world when launched and of course, the watch that holds the record for the most valuable in the world (it sold at auction for $24m) the Henry Graves Super-complication of 1933, also in its day the most complicated mechanical watch in the world. So much so it took five years to make.
Time is Precious
Today, the spirit of the super-complication and the essence of all that’s great about Patek is exemplified best in the range of Grand Complication pieces, in particular the 5270 perpetual calendar chronograph, pictured here.
Combining a calendar that automatically corrects, a chronograph and a moon-phase indicator, the 5270 is simply beautiful and is already a collectors’ item despite being launched as recently as 2009, thanks in no small part to its beauty, rarity and a fine movement. Developed in 2009, the multi-function movement contains six patented innovations, took five years to develop and is the pinnacle of Patek’s expertise. The result is a sublime example of the watchmakers’ craft.
To find out more about this wonderful company call in to the showroom to view the collection and meet the team.
Watches of Switzerland, St Davids Centre, Cardiff, CF10 2DP.
Tel: 029 2034 0300