Watch Art Grand Exhibition: a journey through time in Milan

Dalla Collezione PATEK PHILIPPE, il Calibre 89 realizzato nel 1989per il 150esimo anniversario del brand.

At the heart of the venue is the central arena, an oval-shaped space covering over 4,000 square metres, which can be reconfigured to suit the requirements of the scheduled event. Patek Philippe has dedicated over 2,900 square metres to a detailed representation of its world, divided into 15 themed areas: from its historic headquarters on Geneva’s central Rue du Rhône, to the manufactory on the outskirts of the city in Plan-les-Ouates, right through to the Patek Philippe Museum – considered one of the most comprehensive museums dedicated to watchmaking – located in the Plainpalais district of Geneva. The name, ‘Watch Art Grand Exhibition’, echoes the great exhibitions of the past and is conceived as a journey through time and space, punctuated by masterpieces of watchmaking. Starting with the brand’s current collection, comprising some 152 watches – for both men and women – across all its ranges: Grandes Complications, Complications, Calatrava, Gondolo, Golden Ellipse, Cubitus, Nautilus, Aquanaut, Twenty-4 and Pocket Watches. Added to these is a selection of watches from the Rare Handcrafts collection, the most authentic expression of the maison’s savoir-faire: models – including table, pocket and wristwatches – that feature exceptional craftsmanship such as miniature enamel painting, hand engraving, micro-wood marquetry and the setting of precious stones.

Nel Patek Philippe Museum di Ginevra sono esposti anche i segnatempo della Collezione Antica non prodotti dalla Maison, come —da sinistra — uno dei due Venus Binding Cupid’s Wings attribuito a Jean Abraham Lissignol (1749-1819); il Montre Médaillon à Tact di Bazile-Charles Le Roy del 1800; il primo orologio con calendario perpetuo del 1762 di Thomas Mudge.

Of these, therefore, visitors can admire the 25 unique pieces with links to Italia that make up the Rare Handcrafts Milano Collection. Such as the ‘Burano’ pocket watch, Ref. 992/193J-001, in yellow gold: a tribute to the Venetian island of lace, depicted on the case back on a sunny day, with its characteristic colourful houses reflected in the canals. Crafted using the guilloché technique and subsequently enamelled in 70 colours, the reflections on the water have been recreated using the paillonné technique, with gold and silver leaf inserted beneath the enamel surface. But there is also the “Sicilian Oranges” Ref. 20179M-001 table clock, crafted in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel, which, thanks to its decoration, offers two distinct visual planes featuring orange trees and the city of Palermo, creating a striking three-dimensional perspective effect.

Qui e sotto, due pezzi unici, dedicati all’Italia, della linea Rare Handcrafts di PATEK PHILIPPE. Il modelloda tavolo Sicilian Oranges Ref.20179M-001 che riproduce alberi di arancio e uno scorcio di Palermo.

To make the visitor experience more tangible and engaging, watchmakers and artisans from the maison are on hand to give practical demonstrations of their craft. In the area dedicated to models from the Museum, a selection of 100 significant timepieces produced by the brand over the years is on display – such as a Patek Philippe ‘Ore del Mondo’ Ref. 1415 HU wristwatch from 1948 by Patek Philippe, featuring a dial depicting the Eastern Hemisphere – but there are also pieces of immense historical value produced by other manufacturers or watchmakers. Among these is the 1897 pocket watch that belonged to King Umberto I of Savoy, an open-top timepiece with a caseback decorated with his coat of arms and set with diamonds.

Fronte e retro dell’orologio da tasca “Burano” Ref. 992/193J-001.

Last but not least, there is an area dedicated to the maison’s great mechanical masterpieces – the Supercomplications – where visitors can admire truly exceptional pieces, such as the Calibre 89 pocket watch, created in 1989 to mark the brand’s 150th anniversary (which, at the time of its launch, was the watch with the most complications ever produced: it boasted no fewer than 33), or the Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175 wristwatch with 20 complications, unveiled in 2014. If there is one thing that sets Patek Philippe apart, it is its research into chimes: for this reason, a large dedicated space within the Oval has been set aside, called ‘Master of Sound’. Finally, as new special models are produced for each Watch Art Grand Exhibition – the sale of which is always exclusive to the host market – the exhibition also features the seven limited-edition models from the Milano Special Collection. In total, there are over 300 watches on display at the event.

At this stage, the process is complete; all that remains is one final step: to book your visit and your (free) admission ticket by registering on the website.