The “Watch Art” exhibition is a traveling show, allowing the public to enjoy insights into the brands’ impressive heritage, craftsmanship and of course a good overview of watches. More than 500 timepieces are brought together, including 190 belonging to the Patek museum in Geneva. One can assume what a logistic operation it must be..
As per tradition every Watch Art exhibition is also a platform to launch some new watches, and this year no less than 6 references are presented. Let’s focus on the three most spectacular pieces, with quite some interesting and complicated features.
1) Quadruple Complication Reference 5308P-010 Limited Edition Tokyo 2023
15 lucky collectors will have the privilege to obtain this masterpiece, combining a minute repeater, a split-second chronograph and an instantaneous perpetual calendar in one. The self-winding caliber R CHR 27 PS QI has a platinum micro-rotor, and is based on the 5208 that had the same aperture-based mix of three complications. A chronograph back then has become a split-second chronograph now, hence the “quadruple” in the name. The watch comes in a 42mm platinum case and combined with a salmon dial it looks stunning.
2) World Time Minute Repeater Reference 5531R-014 Limited Edition Tokyo 2023
Equally complicated and rare is the first one, with the 5531R Patek has added a minute repeater to their popular world timer. The dial has a Grand Feu cloisonné enamel decoration and shows the Chuo district in central Tokyo. Obviously, “Tokyo” appears red in the outer ring of world cities. The 40,5mm red gold case perfectly matches the artisan-like dial. Very chic..
3) World Time Reference 5330G-010 Limited Edition Tokyo 2023
The second World Timer launched has the reference 5330G and comes in a limited edition of 300 pieces. A new, ultra-slim movement 240 HU C was developed featuring an innovative differential system (70 parts in total) enabling it to manage the date of the local time. The center of the purple-coloured dial is hand-guilloched. Probably a bit less expensive, although for all three novelties prices are “on application”.
Not that it would be relevant to know the prices, as these limited runs usually sell quickly. Let’s just admire these pieces of art and craftmanship, showing the world that Patek Philippe is still the “Non Plus Ultra” of horology.
