Following the theme of travel, heritage, and Swiss-made
excellence, these Patek Philippe novelties remind us of
the magnificence of haute horlogerie.
Each year, Patek Philippe delivers a feast of new horological delights chock- full of technical innovations and stylistic updates. At Watches & Wonders 2024, no fewer than 11 novelties were presented but we’ve selected three references that showcase Patek Philippe’s diversity. Exemplifying functional modernity, effortless elegance, and timeless grandeur, these timepieces are all united by the brand’s commitment to masterful craftsmanship.
Available for the first time in this two-tone combination of a rose gold case with white gold pusher tubes is the Alarm Travel Time, an extremely practical watch that combines a dual time zone feature with a mechanical alarm. Despite the abundance of information, reading it is a breeze thanks to Patek Philippe’s keen attention to detail. Much of the processes involved in its creation is done by hand, from the application of each numeral to the decoration of the movement. For improved legibility, the solid hour hand is coated with luminescent material for local time, while the hand for home time is skeletonised.
Like all of Patek Philippe’s cases, this one required the work of roughly 20 specialists performing about 50 operations. The dial also undergoes an extensive production process, taking four to six months and involving steps like polishing, buffing, electroplating, and manual transfer printing of the dial text. Each dial takes a minimum of 50 operations, with the dial being cleaned in an ultrasound bath after every single one.
This exactitude even extends to what we don’t see, but hear: four patents have been granted for the alarm, which uses a hammer and gong setup for its alarm function, producing a beautiful chime reminiscent of the brand’s legendary minute repeaters.
The 34.5mm rose gold case — the thinnest in the current collection — houses the ultra-thin Calibre 240 automatic movement, and features applied rose gold baton hour markers and hands that shimmer against a sunburst ebony black dial.
Born out of a desire to honour the “golden ratio”, the harmonious rounded rectangle case of the Golden Ellipse has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 1968. Instead, creative liberties have been taken with sizes, colours, and dial decorations. But its latest reincarnation invites awe with its intricate 18k rose gold bracelet.
The result of 15 years’ development, the chain bracelet comprises 363 elements — all of which are hand- polished — that form a supple chain-link design, while a patented construction promises exceptional comfort on the wrist. More than 300 of these links have been meticulously assembled and finished by hand, while the beautifully engraved clasp offers effortless adjustment in three positions.
Much like the pocket watch it was inspired by, the Retrograde Perpetual Calendar Rare Handcrafts is a bold tribute to Baroque style. Previously presented in white gold, this year’s novelty comes in a 38mm by 11.81mm rose gold case.
Ornate hand-engraving adorns nearly every gold surface, including the strap screws and the dial center, with intricate volutes and foliage extending onto the officer-style hinged case back. Beneath this artistry lies technical prowess, as the sapphire crystal provides a glimpse of the self-winding calibre 26-330 S QR. The silvery opaline gold dial showcases applied Breguet numerals in blackened white gold and pear-shaped hands in black-oxidized yellow gold, completing the sumptuous aesthetic.
With a history over 80 years, Emperor Watch & Jewellery has continuously been working with renown luxury watch brands as the authorized retailer to a growing group of clientele in Singapore and the surrounding region. Find your next favorite timepiece at any of Emperor Watch & Jewellery boutiques, where a dedicated team is always on hand to provide their expertise.
Enquire about their availability at Emperor Watch & Jewellery boutique at voco Orchard.
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