Culture Club

Patek Philippe’s president, Thierry Stern, sets an example of humility and generosity in modern watchmaking’s ego-fuelled climate

- Alvin Wong

“It is important that we take time to talk to people,” says the ever-affable Thierry Stern. In Singapore to preside over the Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition, an epic two-week exhibition at Marina Bay Sands, the 49-year-old’s schedule is packed with appointments, from fielding interviews with the media to entertaining high-net-worth collectors who have flown in from all over the world for the showcase.

The Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition in Singapore, the fifth instalment after Dubai, Munich, London and New York, is the biggest to date. The entire Marina Bay Sands Theatre was transformed into a horological wonderland, featuring 10 thematic rooms that allowed guests to not only view historic timepieces at close quarters but indulge in once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from chatting with artisans and watchmakers, to engaging with Patek Philippe’s top brass such as museum curator Peter Friess and Stern himself.

Yet, amidst the seemingly endless bustle that would have rattled lesser CEOs, Stern is astonishingly genial, projecting a sense of gratitude, even, that he has the opportunity for precious facetime with Patek Philippe fans and the people who have helped build the brand. “Not everyone can come to Geneva, so it is good that we can bring the city to them,” he says.

How do you see the Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition as a point of reference to what you do?

I see it as a way of educating the public. For me, this is not a commercial project but a cultural one. I’m happy to do the presentations personally. What do people know about Patek Philippe? Maybe they know that it’s hard to own a Patek watch or that it is expensive, but they may not know why this is so. With this, we can educate them and show them why the watches are perceived as such.