Patek Philippe rare handcrafted timepieces exhibition in Paris now
Patek Philippe is presenting its new “Rare Handcrafts 2022” exhibition in Paris for the first time,
showcasing three exclusive pieces created explicitly for this event.
From May 14 to 22, 2022, on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré 85, the manufacture is exhibiting
some sixty Rare Handcrafts objects that salute artisanship at its finest.
In addition to one-of-akind pieces and limited editions that meld technical expertise with true inspiration, the public will also see three pocket watches with hand-engraved case backs that pay tribute to the
Expositions Universelles in Paris.
The very extensive “Antique Collection” of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva which last year
celebrated its 20th anniversary allows visitors to admire the evolution of mechanical timepieces since
the early 16th century. They can also pursue the upswing of decorative artistry with which timekeeping
instruments have been graced for nearly 500 years. Before watches established themselves as
dependable and precise timepieces, they were mainly lavishly adorned works of art.
Thus, many different ornamental techniques were embraced in Geneva, especially by the famous “Fabrique” where all of the crafts associated with watchmaking artistry were practiced.
Passion for the ultimate in craftsmanship
As the legatee and guardian of grand Genevan traditions since it was founded in 1839, Patek Philippe
always placed great emphasis on craftsmanship. This is impressively documented by the Museum’s
“Patek Philippe Collection”. While the demand for artisanally decorated watches all but vanished from
1970 to 1980, the manufacture was passionately committed to safeguarding this precious know-how
on the brink of extinction, especially miniature painting on enamel. Today, Patek Philippe is determined
to protect these skills, to offer a future for the requisite competencies, and in close collaboration with
the artisans to further evolve and expand their virtuosity.
To illustrate the beauty of these artisanal techniques and promote the knowledge of this important facet
of watchmaking traditions, Patek Philippe presents an annual collection of one-of-a-kind pieces and
limited editions of artistically decorated watches that can be admired by the public in Patek Philippe’s
Salons in Geneva. For the first time, the manufacture is exhibiting this collection in Paris at a gallery on
Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré that was totally remodeled for the event.
A broad palette of skills
For the “Rare Handcrafts 2022” collection (a total of 59 creations including 15 dome table clocks, 9
miniature dome table clocks, 10 pocket watches, and 25 wristwatches as well as three exclusive
objects crafted explicitly for the event in Paris) it was again necessary to mobilize a suite of artisanal
skills that call for virtuosity, many years of experience, and genuine artistic flair…
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