Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition: a History of Time

Weir & Sons visited the Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition which took place at the Saatchi Gallery in London from the 27^th of May to the 7^th of June. The master Swiss watchmakers presented historical timepieces, among 400 exhibits as well as knowledge of the history and art of watchmaking. The Watch Art Grand Exhibition was the final celebration of the Patek Philippe 175^th anniversary, which began on the 1^st of May, 2014.  The exhibition celebrates Patek Philippe’s tradition of high-precision watch manufacturing, presented an insight into the company’s 175 year history and its heritage in the industry of haute horlogerie. Open to the public free of charge, visitors had the chance to experience great moments in the history of Patek Philippe. The exhibition provided the public with knowledge on the art of watchmaking, the history of Patek Philippe, a presentation of 400 exhibits and facts on the watchmaking industry such as rare handcraft techniques. The exhibition was composed of over fifteen themed areas throughout the entire Saatchi gallery, where visitors had access to over 400 timepieces. Rooms included the Watchmakers Room, the Museum Room, the Film Theatre Room, the Movement Room, the Interactive Room and the175^th Anniversary Area to name a few. Guests enjoyed a complete collection of Patek Philippe timepieces including complications, and grand complications which ranged from perpetual calendars to the Grand Master Chime, which was unveiled in 2014 to commemorate Patek Philippe’s 175^th jubilee. The showcase also incorporated the commemorative timepieces which were presented in October last year. Activities at the exhibition included live demonstrations of Patek Philippe artisans at work, ball chairs where visitors could sit and listen to the striking of minute repeaters and the Historical Film Theatre Room where a historical movie was shown. Highlights of the exhibition includedthe Museum Room which much like the Museum in Geneva, was divided into two sections. On display were some of the greatest historical timepieces spanning the last five centuries. In the second section, historical Patek Philippe timepieces which date back to the 1830’s were on display. Guests were presented with rare and one-off pieces from the historical collection, such as the first Swiss wristwatch ever made by Patek Philippe in 1868 sold to a Countess of Hungary. Historical timepieces on display included the Antoine Norbert de Patek’s watch, the Patek Philippe Duke de Regla and an 1830’s tableclock in the shape of a cage with five singing musical birds. Other delights for visitors to enjoy included demonstrations from Patek Philippe artisans who showcased their unique and rare handcrafts such as enamelling, guilloche work and precious stone setting. The Watch Art Grand Exhibition was a remarkable and insightful experience with collections on display that encompassed a 175 year tradition of innovation, art, craftsmanship, aesthetic and passion - the values which have defined Patek Philippe since it was founded in 1839.

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Patek Philippe is available to Weir & Sons, Grafton Street. For more information email watches@weirandsons.ie  or call 01-6779678 to arrange an appointment in our Watch Department. Author: Emilie Finney