Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition

The collection was clearly presented like a standard museum exhibition rather than a themed room, there was no complaint in this and if anything it pulled you into observing the pieces themselves. This was also the first room that I realised staff had been brought over from Geneva, this was a nice touch and they were very polite and knowledgable with any questions answered easily.

One of the gems, quite literally of the exhibition was the next room, The Rare Handcrafts Room, this was a demonstration of the outstanding talent, art and precision of the enamel painters, engravers and gem setters who work for Patek Philippe. There was some truly outstanding skill being shown and the mind boggled at the steady handiwork of these people. It is a rare thing to see this kind of craftsmanship in watchmaking up close, let alone from such a luxury brand. When you see hand-painted watches it is sometimes very easy to overlook the skill that goes into them, or to not look at them in the same way you may look at a painting hanging in a gallery (which you should) this room brings back to earth the artisan skill of these workers and makes you appreciate hand detailing all that more.

Rare Handcrafts Contemporary & Current Collection

Passing back down the hallway we headed to the sister room of the current collection, the Complications Room, here presented as reified works of art rotating on plinths inside glass cases are some of the most complex, rare and enthralling of the watches in this modern collection, minute repeaters, sky moon tourbillon and chronograph pieces were all on display here. With out a doubt the watch that made me smile the most and wish I was far wealthier than I am was the Star Caliber 2000, the third most complicated watch in the world. Boasting 21 complications and an absolutely stunning design it only rightly had it's own section, darkened and surrounded by stars, it was undoubtably overshadowed by a piece to come but if I had to choose just one watch, I would have taken this home with me. I am not sure the burley security would have let me get far but it did make me think…

The Star Caliber 2000

The next room showcased every movement from the current collection presented in rotating plastic frames, well lit and easy to examine you could get up close and personal with some of these famous and highly regarded technical marvels. There was even a desk with a boule setup and three microscopes so you could examine the movements in detail. At the microscopes desks you had one to one instruction from Patek watchmakers explaining the various prepared watch elements. Also in this room were demonstrations with large scale replica movements of how a chronograph and a perpetual calendar mechanically work. We stood and chatted to the demonstrator from Geneva as he showed us on a brightly coloured mechanical replica how a perpetual calendar keeps date without adjustment for over 100 years. It was fun and enlightening and made for very enjoyable part of the exhibition.

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