Patek Philippe is hosting in Singapore the Fifth and largest ever Watch Art Grand Exhibition, a premiere in the Asian continent, a unique occasion to discover the past, the present and the future of the family-owned Genevan brand.
This year’s exhibition, held at the Sands Theatre in Singapore, from the 28th of September to the 13th of October, allows its visitors to step inside the horological world of the Maison.
From master artisans and watchmakers workshops to a true museum, Geneva and Singapore never looked so close to each other.
For the occasion, Patek Philippe has presented 6 limited editions and a rich collection of dome table clocks, pocket watches, and rare handcrafts wristwatches depicting motifs inspired by Singapore and South-East Asia cultural and artistic traditions.
Stainless steel watches are now trending more than ever. Following this vogue, it comes as no surprise that three of the six limited editions presented for this exhibition are executed in this metal.
(In the pic Calatrava 5089G-083 “dragon”)
Let’s discover the 6 limited editions together!
Aquanaut Singapore 2019
The Aquanaut Singapore 2019, Ref.5167A-012, is for sure one of the models that caught our attention the most. A perfect following for last year’s Patek Philippe 5168G ‘Khaki’.
The stainless-steel case is paired with a minute track, seconds hand and rubber strap, all in a matching vibrant red, in a nod to Singapore. (Who knows if we’ll see the price of a strap overtaking that of a simple 5167…)
If you are interested in it, we might have bad news for you.
It is limited to 500 pieces, all for the Asian market, and even if the list price is 22.400 CHF (20.600€ ca.), they are all probably sold-out.
Aquanaut Luce Singapore 2019
Another limited edition Aquanaut is making its appearance, this time for the ladies: the Aquanaut Luce Singapore 2019, Ref.5067A-027.
Executed in a softer red compared to its counterpart, the watch is in stainless-steel, on the case back, it bears the “Patek Philippe Singapore 2019” inscription.
(All of the limited edition watches bear the writing on the case back, printed if the back is sapphire, and engraved if the back is solid.)
As every Aquanaut Luce, 46 brilliant-cut diamonds decorate the bezel. This is a limited edition of 300 pieces with a price of 19.900 CHF (18.300€ ca.).
Calatrava Pilot Travel-Time Singapore 2019
Another special edition for this exhibition is aimed to the female public: the Calatrava Pilot Travel-Time Singapore 2019, Ref. 7234A-001.
It is the first Calatrava Pilot to be made in stainless-steel (the Patek Philippe 7234 was presented at Basel 2018 as a smaller version of the 5524G in rose gold). Thanks to its 37,5mm case, it has great wearability for those preferring classic sizes.
This edition features a baby blue-greyish colour, with a matching Cordura strap (another first for the Maison). It is limited to 400 pieces, with a price of 30.400 CHF (28.000€).
Chronograph World Time Singapore 2019
The next watch combines within itself two of the most desirable complications from the brand, the World Time and the Chronograph.
First released in 2016, the Patek Philippe 5930G mounts the thinnest World Time Chronograph calibre ever produced, the 28-250HU. For the Watch Art Grand Exhibition this reference gets dressed in a red attire, with a guillochè dial fading from the centre strong red, darkening as we gravitate towards the edges.
On the cities disk, Singapore substitutes Beijing.
With a limited run of 300 pieces, the World Time Chronograph Singapore 2019, Ref.5930G-011, has a list price of 74.000 CHF (68.200€ ca.) and is reserved to the Asian Market
World Time Minute Repeater Singapore 2019
This Exhibition also gave birth to two Grand Complications, one of which caused quite a sensation among more conservative collectors…
The Former is the World Time Minute Repeater Singapore 2019, Ref. 5531R-010.
The 5531R was initially introduced for the Watch Grand Art Exhibition of New York.
An innovation introduced for the calibre R-27HU consists of the attachment of the minute repeater’s gongs, now directly inserted into the case band structure rather than being mounted on the movement baseplate. This allows for a better resonance of the chime.
The rose gold case is adorned by hand with a Clous de Paris decoration extending to the lugs. In the dial center, also made by an artisan, a decoration with a cloisonné enamel depicts Singapore’s downtown bay. The city of Singapore once again substitutes Beijing on the city disc.
It is produced with an interchangeable case back, one in sapphire and one in rose gold. Only five of these incredible timepieces will be created, each with a list price of 540.000 CHF (497.500€ ca.).
The Minute Repeater Tourbillon Singapore 2019
The Latter Grand Complication is a completely new reference: the Minute Repeater Tourbillon Singapore 2019, Ref. 5303R-010.
Patek Philippe had never realized an exposed tourbillon movement before. It has alwys been a brand’s statement that, being visible, the tourbillon would have been damaged by light, as we explained in our article.
The skeletonization of the manual-winding movement brought on different technical challenges, in the first place, to make the movement as aesthetically pleasing as possible, and then to rework space in order to create an accommodation for each and every complication.
The movement is based upon the calibre R-TO-27-PS, powering the Maison’s minute repeaters since ’91.
As for the 5531, the minute repeater module was placed in the front-side of the watch.
With a transparent dial, the skeletonized movement is not the only thing standing out.
The minute track surrounding the case perimeter is executed in a striking red, that captures immediately the attention. The star shaped hour markers in contrast with the red background of the track are an obvious nod to the Sea Lion City flag.
With a production run limited to 12 pieces, the estimated list price for this reference is 590.000 CHF (543.600€ ca.).
And you?
What do you think about these novelties?
Do you prefer these or the “Rare Handcrafts”? Let us know!
