Ahead Of Its Time

Patek Philippe’s Advanced Research watches have proven to be an accurate harbinger of several new normals in modern watchmaking

- Alvin Wong

Proudly old-school, Patek Philippe evokes a sepia-tinged world where deals are sealed on the strength of a handshake, and lovers’ sentiments are best expressed in handwritten letters. And indeed, the 181-year old company conducts itself in a manner that befits the most beloved traditions of the watch trade. Its chairman and president, Philippe and Thierry Stern, still personally examine each minute repeater before its leaves the factory; relations with customers, retailers and staff are carefully cultivated and valued above all business dealings; and its timepieces are conceived and crafted with heart and deep respect for tradition.

Yet, even as all of the above are true, Patek Philippe is no horological granddaddy who is set in its ways and blind to progress and evolution. Quite the contrary, the company has always sought to think several steps ahead, especially in the field of mechanical innovations. The watchmaking tenets that Patek Philippe abides by may be timeless – the pursuit of power, precision and energy efficiency – but the means by which they are achieved are absolutely cutting-edge.

Future Proofing

Back in 2005, Patek Philippe introduced its Advanced Research series of watches to debut newfangled watchmaking innovations that not only boosted timekeeping performance but were also practical enough from a manufacturing perspective, so that they could be implemented in series-produced timepieces.