PHILIP BARAT IS Patek Philippe's go-to guy when casual chats about watches take a turn towards erudite discourse. At every annual reveal of the Genevan manufacturer's watches, he is there, hosting curated technical presentations' for deep dives into Patek Philippe's most complex watches of the year.
Barat looks like a drill sergeant but has the manner of a gentle librarian. Affectionately referred to as Mr Plexi by industry peers for his love of using plexiglass models to explain complex mechanisms, Barat was again called upon to explain one of Patek Philippe's more unusual watches this year: Ref. 5224R Travel Time, which features a 24-hour dial that can display two time zones at once.
"It is a 'simple' development," he reassures. The unfussy way in which he breaks down the mechanism makes it easy to understand for those less inclined to micro-engineering.
Beyond his technical insights, however, Barat is keen to remind us that watches and watchmaking have to be anchored in virtues such as beauty and emotion. They are far from tangible, but these qualities make watches truly desirable, he says. "At Patek," Barat stresses, "we don't pursue the accolade of making the world's most complicated watches."
What is the origin story of Calatrava Travel Time Ref. 5224R?
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Robb Report Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Robb Report Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Building Lasting Legacies In Asia
Julius Baer’s commitment to long-term client partnerships is key to its success in helping clients in the region realise their wealth ambitions.
Empowering Generations Of Wealth Owners
Serving one-quarter of the world’s billionaires globally, Citi Private Bank offers a time-tested approach to preserving and growing family wealth, seeking to help legacies flourish for generations to come.
This Month's Feed
Only the best dining and drinking spots in Singapore.
SUSTAINABILITY ON THE GREENS
The general manager and director of agronomy at Sentosa Golf Club, Andrew Johnston, reflects on his tenure at one of Asia’s elite golfing destinations.
Best of the Best - Wine
Lounging in a Maldivian resort, wine-tasting in Bordeaux, putting a sports car through its paces at Sonoma Raceway, curating the best watches from Geneva, perusing the top menswear accoutrements in Milan, testing cutting-edge yachts in Monaco. The life of a Robb Report editor may sound glamorous, but-actually, we can't argue there. Even so, separating the wheat from the chaff is no small task in the luxury realm, since even the chaff can be mighty impressive. In our 36th annual Best of the Best issue, we again offer our assessment of the past year's most exemplary products, places and experiences. And yes, edition number 37 is already underway.
Best of the Best - Travel
Lounging in a Maldivian resort, wine-tasting in Bordeaux, putting a sports car through its paces at Sonoma Raceway, curating the best watches from Geneva, perusing the top menswear accoutrements in Milan, testing cutting-edge yachts in Monaco. The life of a Robb Report editor may sound glamorous, but-actually, we can't argue there. Even so, separating the wheat from the chaff is no small task in the luxury realm, since even the chaff can be mighty impressive. In our 36th annual Best of the Best issue, we again offer our assessment of the past year's most exemplary products, places and experiences. And yes, edition number 37 is already underway.
Best of the Best - Home
Lounging in a Maldivian resort, wine-tasting in Bordeaux, putting a sports car through its paces at Sonoma Raceway, curating the best watches from Geneva, perusing the top menswear accoutrements in Milan, testing cutting-edge yachts in Monaco. The life of a Robb Report editor may sound glamorous, but-actually, we can't argue there. Even so, separating the wheat from the chaff is no small task in the luxury realm, since even the chaff can be mighty impressive. In our 36th annual Best of the Best issue, we again offer our assessment of the past year's most exemplary products, places and experiences. And yes, edition number 37 is already underway.
Best of the Best - Technology
Lounging in a Maldivian resort, wine-tasting in Bordeaux, putting a sports car through its paces at Sonoma Raceway, curating the best watches from Geneva, perusing the top menswear accoutrements in Milan, testing cutting-edge yachts in Monaco. The life of a Robb Report editor may sound glamorous, but-actually, we can't argue there. Even so, separating the wheat from the chaff is no small task in the luxury realm, since even the chaff can be mighty impressive. In our 36th annual Best of the Best issue, we again offer our assessment of the past year's most exemplary products, places and experiences. And yes, edition number 37 is already underway.
Best of the Best - Style
Lounging in a Maldivian resort, wine-tasting in Bordeaux, putting a sports car through its paces at Sonoma Raceway, curating the best watches from Geneva, perusing the top menswear accoutrements in Milan, testing cutting-edge yachts in Monaco. The life of a Robb Report editor may sound glamorous, but-actually, we can't argue there. Even so, separating the wheat from the chaff is no small task in the luxury realm, since even the chaff can be mighty impressive. In our 36th annual Best of the Best issue, we again offer our assessment of the past year's most exemplary products, places and experiences. And yes, edition number 37 is already underway.
Best of the Best - Jewellery
Lounging in a Maldivian resort, wine-tasting in Bordeaux, putting a sports car through its paces at Sonoma Raceway, curating the best watches from Geneva, perusing the top menswear accoutrements in Milan, testing cutting-edge yachts in Monaco. The life of a Robb Report editor may sound glamorous, but-actually, we can't argue there. Even so, separating the wheat from the chaff is no small task in the luxury realm, since even the chaff can be mighty impressive. In our 36th annual Best of the Best issue, we again offer our assessment of the past year's most exemplary products, places and experiences. And yes, edition number 37 is already underway.
