Three New Exceptional Timepieces Of Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe combines impeccable watchmaking savoir faire with rare and exquisite handcraft techniques in three new exceptional timepieces. Allyson Klass discovers these wearable works of art.

- Allyson Klass

Held earlier in June at Patek Philippe’s historic Genevan headquarters on Rue du Rhône, the Rare Handcrafts 2020-2021 exhibition was a rich showcase with an extensive selection of over 75 pocket watches, wristwatches as well as dome and table clocks from the manufacture’s latest rare handcrafts collection. The remarkable one-of-a-kind and limited-edition timekeepers paid tribute to challenging craftsmanship and esteemed, traditional watchmaking techniques.

Also on display at the exhibition were six grand complication timepieces making their world debut. Of these, three models showcased especially elaborate artistic decorations, including hand engraving, grand feu cloisonné enamel, grand feu champlevé enamel, grand feu flinqué enamel, manual guilloching and gem-setting. We take a closer look at this trio of extraordinary Rare Handcrafts masterpieces enriching the manufacture’s already exceptional selection.

REF. 6002R-001: SKY MOON TOURBILLON HAUT ARTISANAT

Patek Philippe’s first double-faced wristwatch launched two decades ago, the Ref. 5002 Sky Moon Tourbillon is the manufacture’s second most complicated wristwatch after the Grandmaster Chime, and also one of the most coveted grand complications among collectors and connoisseurs.

From 2013 to 2016, the double-faced watch, sporting a lavish white gold case with blue enamel dial, was offered in a Rare Handcrafts version, Ref. 6002G-001. Replacing its 2016 predecessor – the Ref. 6002G-010 with a black enamel dial – is the updated and equally ornate Ref. 6002R-001 Sky Moon Tourbillon Haut Artisanat, which boasts a new face combining the warm shimmer of rose gold with brown grand feu enamel decoration.