A Distinguished Eye

Two of Thailand’s distinguished Patek Philippe collectors share their thoughts on the brand’s heritage and its prowess with perpetual calendar complications.

Suksit Petampai is a professor of mathematics and finance at Silpakorn University and is also working towards a PhD in architecture at the same institution. When he completes his studies, Suksit will likely join the board of directors at his family’s well established, SET-listed financial firm, Muangthai Leasing.

His affinity for Patek Philippe watches is easy to see. He holds three to his name, most notably the legendary Perpetual Calendar Grand Complication Ref. 5160R – one of the most sought after watches on the market – which he purchased a few years ago. Unsurprisingly, it’s his favourite of the three.

“This is a watch that shows how serious watchmakers are, and how far they are willing to go,” Suksit says. “They are willing to etch the gold by hand; they allow you to open the back; the mechanism inside is divine. There is nothing more to say about this watch, other than it’s perfect.”

For Suksit, there are two distinct attributes that make Patek Philippe watches stand out: creative beauty and value.