Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition

From June 10 to 25, The largest exhibition in the history of Patek Philippe was held in Tokyo, Japan. Boasting over 500 watches and an exhibition space of 2, 500m², This event took place at Triangle Plaza, Tochomae Station, In the office district of Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Patek Philippe's "Watch Art" Grand Exhibition began in Dubai in 2012, Followed by Munich in 2013, London in 2015, New York in 2017, Singapore in 2019, And this was the sixth event. The Watch Art series is a large-scale complex exhibition where current products, Rare timepieces, And interactive spaces coexist, Presenting both the brand's history and a futuristic image.

Exhibition entrance reproducing Lake Geneva in Switzerland

As soon as you entered the exhibition hall, A large LED screen displaying Lake Geneva greeted visitors. Points emphasizing that the space was open to everyone could be found throughout the venue. (For reference, This exhibition was open to the general public free of charge.)

Exhibitions with Various Themes

The exhibition hall was divided into independent pavilions by theme. Museum, Collector's items, Watches of famous people, Current products, Super complications, And artifacts owned by Patek Philippe headquarters were all on display.

Various forms of pendant and brooch watches

Brooch watch P0024 sold to Queen Victoria in 1851

As I walked along the route, I noticed that the dials of the watches became increasingly complex. I could naturally absorb the changes in watch trends and the evolution of Patek Philippe's watchmaking. Since the late 19th century, Patek Philippe has mastered all functions related to time. It felt as if I was witnessing in real time the period when the brand leaped from dazzling jewelry watch hybrids to the forefront of grand complication technology, Which became a paradigm in horology.

The first perpetual calendar wristwatch released in 1925 Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar P0072

Supercomplication P1497 made for Henry Graves in 1921

From left, Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5650G-001, Nautilus Ladies 7118

The section displaying the most popular models, Nautilus and Aquanaut, Was so crowded that it was difficult to take photos.

Patek Philippe Approaching the Public

In addition to showrooms for appreciating watches, There were various interactive spaces such as the [Manufacture Room], Which explained the production process, And the [Watchmaker Room], Hosted by the brand's watchmakers.

Engraving experience with Patek Philippe's master watchmakers

I was surprised to see many visitors listening attentively at the corners explaining engraving techniques, The operating principles of movements, And the minute repeater mechanism. It was a time when the Japanese love for watches and Patek Philippe's efforts to break away from its somewhat exclusive image and become more approachable to the public stood out.

Manufacture Room where you can learn the principles of movements

Display where you can appreciate dozens of movements from various angles

In-house perpetual calendar movement

The Greatest Pride of the Greatest Watchmaker

The "Supercomplication Room" was truly awe-inspiring. I was able to see watches that set important milestones in horology.

Front and back of 5175R-001

The Grandmaster Chime, The Patek Philippe wristwatch with the most complications. This gold version was specially produced in a limited edition of six pieces to commemorate the company's 175th anniversary. With as many as 20 complications, The steel version of the same model holds the world record for the most expensive watch ever auctioned.

Front and back of Cal. 89

Cal. 89, Produced in only four pieces to commemorate the 150th anniversary in 1989. With 33 complications, Cal. 89 held the title of the most complicated portable watch for 25 years. This pocket watch, Made up of a total of 1, 728 parts, Is said to have a perpetual calendar that does not require date adjustment until the 28th century.

Tokyo Limited Edition Watches Tokyo Special Edition

Patek Philippe also presented six special edition watches themed after the host country. All special edition watches are engraved with the phrase 'Patek Philippe Tokyo' on the case back. Japanese motifs could also be found in the dial designs. Here are some of the most impressive pieces.

Patek Philippe Tokyo Limited World Time Minute Repeater 5531R-014

World Time featuring Chuo Ward of Tokyo. First unveiled at the 2017 New York Watch Art Exhibition, It later joined the catalog.

Patek Philippe Tokyo Limited 5330G-010

World Time, Limited to 300 pieces for the Japanese market only. It features the Cal. 240 HU movement, The world's first to drive a date display synchronized with local time.

From left, Patek Philippe Calatrava 6127G-010, 7127G-010

Patek Philippe also makes couple watches. 300 sets are sold as men's and women's pairs, And 100 are sold individually. The official Watch Art catalog notes that couple watches are especially popular in East Asia.

Where is the Next Watch Art Exhibition?

Did you know that Patek Philippe has consistently created watches that are close to works of art themed around Japan? From Edo period woodblock prints, Traditional paintings, To kimono, Watches incorporating Japanese style in their designs caught the eye. It was both awe-inspiring and a little enviable to see the world's best watchmaker use an entire country as a design motif and create masterpieces that have reached the level of art.

Dome Table Clock 20138M, Calatrava 5177G-031, 5177G-032

Patek Philippe Calatrava 5077/100G-048

At the main square, When a Patek Philippe event manager was asked about the future plans for the Watch Art Grand Exhibition, They responded as follows.

"Rather than us choosing the host country, I think the host country chooses us. Currently, The whole world is showing great interest in watches. As everyone knows, This level of interest is unprecedented. We are simply visiting cities that have loved high-end watchmaking for a long time."

It was a very professional answer. If our country continues to love watches, Perhaps someday we will be able to experience the next Watch Art Exhibition here.