Time to reflect
- Guest Writer
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Words by Giordano Chirieleison
A look back over a year in horology from Patek Philippe.
One thing I often mention to my clients during the discovery process is that when one approaches Patek Philippe as a manufacturer, there is a subtle but powerful shift that is inevitable. That is, to begin viewing it as a journey of discovery; as one would look at a work of art rather than a functional tool that tells the time.
What makes Patek Philippe special is that every timepiece is a masterpiece in its own right, each one with its own personality and story to tell. Just by looking into one of our store windows, the viewer can immediately see that each timepiece is unique. Not only the sizes and shapes are all different, but also the finishes on dials, lugs and bezels, the colours, the style of the hands as well as the numbers displaying the time, the straps and style of buckles. When admiring the collection, one can clearly perceive creative freedom and a brave spirit of watchmaking.
The Stern family at Patek Philippe seem to be able to take what they love about life and the world around us and transfigure that into timepieces to be treasured and passed on to the next generation. It is a big responsibility to represent a family business. Or in fact, two family businesses – Michael Spiers and Patek Philippe. Our job as advisors becomes an emotional journey where both clients and sales team meet and become part of something unique.
As the latest in the family to join the collection last year, the Cubitus seems to captivate ‘casual-chic’ spirit effortlessly, with its square shape and rounded corners. Sophistication is the sentiment, with a touch of retro. Slightly smaller than its big brother in stainless steel launched at 45mm, the reference 7128/1G is available in a 40mm case made of 18k white gold or rose gold. It’s one of those watches that when it’s on the wrist simply works. Another example of how the minimalism behind simple shapes and clean lines can create everlasting beauty.
A triumph of intricacy and depth in this reference where the dial, made of sapphire crystal with grey metallisation, literally makes us dream. The Grand Complication Perpetual calendar with retrograde date hand, automatically recognises the months with 30, 31 days and 28 days, including the leap year cycles. This is one of the highest levels of complications achieved in watchmaking.
The annual calendar complication is one of the most loved for the practicality offered by a date, day and month display that requires only one correction per year at the end of February. In this reference, the dial is the true protagonist, where the warm shade of rose gold interacts with the textured brown dial reminiscent of raw shantung silk fabrics. This is a good example of a timepiece that is very popular with both gents and ladies.
The sophisticated contrast between the reflection of the platinum case and the rose-gilt dial wonderfully complements the nostalgic and quintessential look of this timepiece. The iconic Calatrava collection, where form follows function and where the beauty of simplicity truly blooms, is a perfect watch to start familiarising with Patek Philippe craftsmanship and a very popular choice for both new clients or seasoned collectors.
A refreshing revisitation of the Pilot Travel Time reference in white gold with dial in vintage-style ivory lacquered, combined with a khaki green strap in composite material. The perfect companion for a modern traveller. Two centre hour hands allow the wearer to tell the time in two different time zones.
