Dubai in 2012, Munich in 2013 and London in 2014... in 2017 New York was the location chosen by Patek Philippe to offer to the publicThe Art of Watches Grand Exhibition, a deep vision of his universe and creations. From July 13 to 23, 2017, collectors, fine watchmaking enthusiasts and the general public have been able to immerse themselves in the world of Patek Philippe as if they were personally visiting the historic salons on the Rue du Rhône in Geneva, the manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, or the Patek Philippe Museum. A unique opportunity to take a first-hand look at Geneva's latest independent family watch business.
The United States of America plays a fundamental role in the history of Patek Philippe. In 1854, just fifteen years after the Company's founding, Patek's Antoine Norbert traveled to New York and spent several months traveling the country to familiarize himself with this thriving market. He met and worked in collaboration with numerous distributors, many of whom have remained loyal to Geneva manufacturing to this day. The Stern family, owners of Patek Philippe since 1932, also maintains very close relations with New York and the United States. Henri Stern, grandfather of the current president Thierry Stern, traveled to New York in 1937 with the intention of staying there for several months just like the founder Antoine Norbert of Patek did, but unlike him, his stay lasted for 20 years. In 1946, he founded the Henri Stern Watch Agency, which is still responsible for all of Patek Philippe's commercial activities in the US. The two generations that followed him adopted the tradition of earning their first salary at the US subsidiary. That is why Thierry Stern and his father – Philippe Stern, honorary president – put so much effort into hosting this great exhibition in New York including an abundant collection of exceptional artisan watches inspired by authentic American themes. Not only this: the show has seen the launch of nine limited and special edition watches for this market, including the new World Time Minute Repeater, Ref. 5531, whose world premiere took place in New York.
In the US Historical Hall, and to illustrate its multifaceted relationship with the United States, Patek Philippe presented 26 watches that were once owned by New World celebrities. Notable examples are some of the super-complicated pocket watches that Patek Philippe made between 1900 and 1950 for two famous American collectors, James Ward Packard, the automobile engineer, and Henry Graves Jr., banker and art enthusiast. One of them is the legendary astronomical “Packard”, delivered in 1927. It was the first Patek Philippe watch with a celestial chart and now it has crossed the Atlantic again for good reason. This selection is completed by other watches that were owned by celebrities in US history and culture: Henry Clay Frick, Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel, Ralph R. Teetor, Asa Griggs Candler, John Larsen, General George S. Patton, Duke Ellington, Joe DiMaggio (on loan from a private collector), and Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd, not to mention the Patek Philippe mantel clock given to President John F. Kennedy on the occasion of his inauguration. moving speech in Berlin in 1963 (on loan from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts)
The Art of Watches Grand Exhibition New York 2017 was open to the public and admission was free. The exhibition was held at Cipriani, 42nd Street, and was the first event at the headquarters to occupy 1,200 meters in a two-story structure. Divided into 14 spaces for a total of ten themes, each with its own distinctive atmosphere, visitors were able to watch a film portraying the history of Patek Philippe, admire the manufacture's entire current collection, and enjoy a unique selection of complicated watches, as well as an impressive range of movements. Live, watchmakers and artisans demonstrated their skills, offering visitors an insight into horological art and delicacy, mastered by specialized artists, such as enamellers, whose trade has been associated with watchmaking for centuries. Once the tour was complete, visitors could relax at the Patek Philippe Café. A privilege for those who could be present.
And if you couldn't attend, you still have time to download the guided visit app. For a limited time!
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