A current watch collecting trend is for shaped watches. But have you ever thought about why watchmakers decided to stop making round watches and experiment with shapes such as tonneau, cushion, rectangular, square and even asymmetrical shapes? In Part 1 of a series which will look at three defining periods of 20th century design, we … Continued
The Patek Philippe Museum is regarded as one of the most important horological museums in the world. No where else can the 500+-years history of horology be viewed quite so elegantly. Yet how its priceless collection of timepieces from the past five centuries grew from a few pieces on display in a windowless waiting room … Continued
In 1994, Patek Philippe introduced a pivotal reference in its legendary perpetual calendar chronograph lineage: the ref. 5004, which added split-seconds functionality – one of horology’s most demanding technical challenges. This may appear deceptively simple: an additional hand, an extra pusher. The reality is far more complex, requiring precision engineering at the highest level. The … Continued
Just another Calatrava or something special? INTRODUCTION The Patek Philippe ref. 2508 was produced from 1951 to around the mid-1960’s. It was originally manufactured with a total production of over 1,000 examples in 18K yellow and rose gold, with rose gold being more limited. Reportedly there are around 100 pieces now known back to market … Continued
From the moment he arrived on Rue du Rhône, Alan Banbery found himself at a crossroads inside Patek Philippe. He had one foot in the workshop and one in the commercial world, and his fluent English gave him a natural role in the company’s dealings with North America and other English-speaking markets. What follows in … Continued
The history of Patek Philippe as remembered by Alan Banbery PART I – WAR, WATCHES, AND THE MAKING OF A PATEK PHILIPPE MAN In the world of watchmaking, a few names sit not on dials or bridges, but behind the scenes — people whose decisions, memories, and instincts quietly shape how a great manufacture understands … Continued
Among the rarest and most extraordinary creations produced by Patek Philippe are the miniature enamel pocket watches made between 1950 and 2000. These pieces are a testament to Patek Philippe’s role as patron of the arts and guardian of disappearing traditional crafts. At a time when the ancient art of miniature enamel painting faced extinction, … Continued
New York. London. Tokyo. As new long-haul routes connected continents in the 1950s Golden Age of air travel, businessmen and adventurers found themselves crossing multiple time zones with increasing frequency. This era of aviation innovation, expanded international routes, and unprecedented passenger comfort presented an elegant challenge: how does one keep track of time across distant … Continued
Introduction When Patek Philippe unveiled the ref. 5070 at Baselworld 1998, it marked a notable return to form: the manufacture’s first serially produced, simple chronograph in over three decades. The last such piece, the celebrated “Tasti Tondi” ref. 1463, had concluded production around 1965. In the intervening years, Patek Philippe had continued its perpetual calendar … Continued
In the world of Patek Philippe it is hard to imagine that there are any ‘value buys’ left. Interest in all things Patek Philippe has exploded in the last few years, but that does not mean that there are no vintage watches currently under the collector-radar. Here are five watch categories that deserve attention. But … Continued
Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has gazed upward in wonder, charting the heavens to navigate oceans, mark seasons, and seek meaning in the cosmos. The celestial chart in horology represents this ancient aspiration translated into mechanical poetry—not merely observing the stars, but capturing their eternal dance on the wrist. When Patek Philippe introduced its … Continued
One of Edith Piaf’s most enduring songs is titled: ‘Non, je ne regrette rein’. I often sing it to myself in the hope that it might ease my regret over not having brought a certain Patek Philippe watch years ago when it was a sleeper. It does not help — I still regret! Here are … Continued
