Patek Philippe: Tokyo’s Grandest Show

After all, Japan holds a special place for Patek Philippe, as it represents a market of discerning connoisseurs who appreciate rare handcrafts and value the technical excellence and meticulous craftsmanship embodied in each timepiece. The event took place at the Sumitomo Sankaku Hiroba in the Nishi- Shinjuku district and recreated the ambiance of Geneva’s streets and lakeside.

Museum and manufactory masterpieces

A highlight of the exhibition was the presence of around 190 pieces from the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, including rare and historical watches from the «Antique Collection» dating back to the sixteenth to early nineteenth century. It features some of the oldest watches in the world and highlights the evolution of horology. The «Patek Philippe Collection» displays iconic timepieces such as the first perpetual calendar wristwatch from 1925 and the World Time wristwatch from 1948. A special section called «Historical Owners» presents watches owned by notable individuals, including a pendant watch gifted to Queen Victoria in 1851.

Additionally, the exhibition featured a room dedicated to Patek Philippe’s collection of movements, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship involved in their production. It included a section highlighting the manufacturing processes and another on research and development. A significant portion of the exhibition was dedicated to complicated watches, including a special section exclusively dedicated to super-complications like the Calibre 89 and the Star Caliber 2000. The «Master of Sound» space highlighted chiming watches, including the Grandmaster Chime with 20 complications and the Sky Moon Tourbillon. Visitors also witnessed demonstrations by Patek Philippe master watchmakers and admire exceptional pieces on loan from Japanese collectors.

Made for Japan

Like its predecessors, Patek Philippe’s Watch Art Grand Exhibition Tokyo 2023 introduces six limited edition timepieces. They, once again, demonstrate Patek Philippe’s dedication to craftsmanship, technical innovation, and design excellence. Each timepiece offers unique features and is likely to be highly sought after by watch collectors and enthusiasts. However, also like its predecessors for their respective markets, these timepieces are made exclusively for the Japan market.

Quadruple complication reference 5308P-010 limited edition Tokyo 2023

The self-winding Reference 5308P-010 is a world premiere limited edition timepiece, combining a minute repeater, a split-seconds monopusher chronograph, and an instantaneous perpetual calendar in apertures. It is inspired by the Triple Complication Reference 5208, with the addition of a split-seconds mechanism. The caliber R CHR 27 PS QI movement features patented innovations to reduce energy consumption. The watch case is made of platinum and has pierced lugs. The watch actually comes with two interchangeable case backs in sapphire crystal and solid platinum, both featuring the inscription «Patek Philippe Tokyo.» This watch is a 15-piece limited-edition.

World time reference 5330G-010 limited edition Tokyo 2023

This limited-edition World Time model (300 watches) introduces a patented feature: a synchronized date display with the local time zone. It houses the ultra-thin self-winding caliber 240 HU C, incorporating a patented differential system. The plum-colored dial features hand- guilloched center and a red-tipped center hand for the date and surrounding all this is a white gold case with curved fluted lugs.

Ladies’ moon-phase reference 7121/200G-010 limited edition Tokyo 2023

The watch features a pearl gray dial with a sunburst pattern and on it comes applied Breguet numerals and poire-style hands in white gold. The moon-phase display is highly accurate and deviates by only one day every 122 years. The round Calatrava case in white gold has an Officer’s style with rounded flanks and straight lugs. The watch is powered by the caliber 215 PS LU manually wound mechanical movement and is a 200-piece limited edition.

World time minute repeater reference 5531R-014 limited edition Tokyo 2023

This 15-piece limited-edition watch features a rare Grand Feu cloisonné enamel decoration of the Chuo district in Tokyo on its dial center. It is the first minute repeater that chimes the local time and is powered by the self-winding caliber R 27 HU. The rose gold case showcases a hand-guilloched «Clous de Paris» motif.

Calatrava reference 6127G-010 and 7127G-010

These limited edition Calatrava watches feature a new case design with two-tier fluted and bevelled lugs. The men’s Reference 6127G-010 has a light-blue lacquer dial, while the ladies’ Reference 7127G-010 features a delicate lilac dial. Both watches have white gold baton-style hour markers and cheveu-style hands. Powered by the caliber 215 PS manually wound movement, these editions are limited to 400 watches each, with 300 sold as a set and 100 available separately.

Exceptional Creations

Along with the aforementioned timepieces and, also exclusively for the Japanese market, Patek Philippe presented an exquisite collection of 40 creations that showcase the rare handcrafts associated with timepiece adornment. This lavish collection includes dome clocks, table clocks, pocket watches, and wristwatches, each displaying a combination of technical virtuosity and artistic creativity.

The pieces pay homage to the traditional skills that have been used for centuries in timepiece decoration, such as hand engraving, guilloché work, gemsetting, and various forms of enameling including Grand Feu cloisonné enamel, miniature painting on enamel, paillonné enamel, flinqué enamel, and grisaille enamel. Additionally, Patek Philippe showcases their innovative use of wood marquetry. These one-of-a-kind or limited-edition creations represent a visual delight for Japanese connoisseurs, highlighting Patek Philippe’s mastery of these precious crafts.