Rare Handcrafts exhibition at the Patek Philippe salons

From 1 to 15 April, watch enthusiasts as well as the general public were able to discover at the Patek Philippe historic headquarters on Rue du Rhône nearly 70 Rare Handcrafts creations combining technical prowess and unlimited creativity. The presentation of these exceptional timepieces have been enhanced by craftsmen demonstrating their rare artisanal skills.

To perpetuate and enhance all the fine crafts which have been associated with the lavish decoration of pieces for nearly five centuries, Patek Philippe unveils each year a new collection of one-of-a-kind timepieces and limited series showcasing all these precious skills.

The “Rare Handcrafts 2023” collection (67 creations in total, including 22 dome clocks and miniature dome clocks, 3 table clocks, 12 pocket watches and 30 wristwatches) once again illustrates a very wide range of artisanal talents. A large number of ancestral techniques – such as Grand Feu cloisonné enamel, miniature painting on enamel, grisaille or flinqué or paillonné or champlevé enamel, manual engraving, manual guilloching and gemsetting – have been taken to new heights of virtuosity, along with several innovative skills in watchmaking, such as wood micromarquetry and Longwy enamel on faience.

The timepieces showcased in the first area were inspired by beauties and fascinations found in nature’s flora and fauna to sublimate them in lavish decorations, such as found on the “Leopard” pocket watch reference 995/137J-001 combining wood marquetry, manual engraving and champlevé enamel.

Those gathered in the second area payed tribute to the great legends of human adventure (arts, traditions, culture), particularly with a set of timepieces dedicated to motor racing, including the "1948 Nations Grand Prix” Calatrava wristwatch reference 5189G-001, featuring a dial in cloisonné and paillonné enamel and miniature painting on enamel.

This amazing showcase have been completed by a selection of historical rare handcrafts timepieces on loan from the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.

March 30, 2023