Patek Philippe * Rare Handcrafts Exhibition

A Dazzling Display of Virtuosity: Inside Patek Philippe's Rare Handcrafts Exhibition

Racing through past the bespoke Tailors of Savile Row, coffee in hand, avoiding the raindrops starting to sprinkle from the sky amidst a collage of sun and cloud (yes this is June in London!). As I dashed across a quaint street in between a Bentley and a classic Ferrari, I stepped onto the pavement to be greeted by a friendly lady with red clipboard. I entered a side entrance next to a very famous boutique. No less than 5 security team members, looking like extras from a James Bond film, guided me to the elevator. Catching my breath as it glided up, the doors opened and the air crackled with a quiet reverence as I entered the Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts Exhibition 2024, nestled in the heart of London's Bond Street. This wasn't your typical watch fair; it was a pilgrimage for connoisseurs, a chance to witness the pinnacle of watchmaking artistry.

The first floor of Bond Street House was transformed into a sanctuary of timekeeping treasures. Eighty exquisite timepieces, each a canvas for breathtaking craftsmanship, meticulously displayed across 3 rooms, that made me feel like I was being hosted within a Billionaires mansion, rather than above a watch boutique. Grasping a crystal glass of water so fresh and chilled I felt it had travelled from the foothills of a mountain, my eyes scanned the room. Attending the event were a mixture of what looked like: watch connoisseurs, replete with pocket magnifying glasses, a trio of Japanese twenty-somethings adorned in Dior's latest couture. Then a mixture of local professionals (Hedge Fund managers and Entrepreneurs it appeared) all wearing Saville Row chinos, luxury brogues and sporting on their wrist one of Patek Philippes recent creations, from gold Aquanauts, to silver Nautilus and some Grand Complications. I'll admit, maybe I should have left the Panerai at home.

My heart beat having calmed to normal as the rain took hold outside, I glanced around the room taking in a magnificent sight. From pocket watches boasting intricate guilloché engravings to wristwatches adorned with miniature paintings on enamel and easter egg shaped clocks that evoked the feeling of a modern Fabergé egg, every piece was a testament to the enduring legacy of rare handcrafts.

The first timepiece that captivated me was a minute repeater with a cloisonné enamel depiction of St. George slaying the dragon. The vibrant colors and meticulous detail were mesmerizing, each tiny wire forming the outline a testament to the artisan's patience and skill. Witnessing such artistry firsthand was a humbling experience, a reminder that watchmaking, at its finest, is an art form as much as it is a science.

A surprising find were the Hawaii inspired Motifs, depicting vibrant bold coloured scenes intertwined with gold thread. Adding to the delightful brighter creations are a trio of watched and a dome table clock picturing Miami beach, pink flamingos and American beauty classic Cadillacs.

I certainly hadn't expected a dozen fine watches in the "Constellations" collection, one for each star sign from Aquarius to Zodiac. Grouped as triplets into sub collections such as the Water Signs, most are inspired by classic engravings and brought to three dimensional life using fine enamels like grisaille, gold wire and then fired 25 times at 760c to create spectacular dials. With 112 diamonds set into the bezels and lugs, the craftsmanship and attention to exquisite detail is beyond what my eyes have seen before.

My absolute favourite of the show was the Mandalas Calatrava wrist watch with its lotus flowers, intricate bezel detail, against translucent and opaque enamel. The show surprise? A unique piece gold dome table clock created for the Paris Olympics, itself marking the centenary of the eighth modern day Olympiad, held in Paris in the summer of 1924.

The true magic of the exhibition lay beyond the static displays. Behind her work desk, in the middle of the exhibition, an artisan was diligently creating a watch face right in front of us, mastering the techniques that Patek Philippe aims to keep alive with its rare handcrafts collection. For this is not just a collection worthy of a museum and the desire of every watch connoisseur. This is a genuine effort to keep the traditional handcrafts techniques alive today, transferring them from generation to generation. Under the watchful eyes of visitors, this modern-day Michelangelo meticulously brought their craft to life. The rhythmic tap-tap-tap of the engraver's hammer, the delicate brushstrokes of the enamel painter – these sounds were the soundtrack of the exhibition, a symphony of dedication and precision.

The opportunity to interact with an artisan was a highlight. Her passion for her craft was infectious, her stories as captivating as the timepieces she was slowly creating. This most skilled lady, with a warm smile yet steely determination and concentration in her eyes, described the thrill of pushing the boundaries of her art form, keeping these ancient techniques alive in a modern world.

The Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts Exhibition 2024 was more than just a showcase of exquisite timepieces; it was a celebration of human ingenuity and a testament to the enduring power of tradition. It left me with a newfound appreciation for the artistry that goes into every Patek Philippe creation, a timepiece not just to tell time, but to tell a story of dedication, passion, and the timeless pursuit of excellence. I was also left with a yearning to acquire such a masterpiece for my own collection - as should you.

Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts London Booking