In the Geneva Watchmaking Guide, the Patek Philippe Museum is listed as one of the must-see sites when visiting the city. It is understandable why. The Patek Philippe Museum houses one of the largest and most valuable horological collections in the world. The collection was assembled and curated by the Stern family, the private owners of Patek Philippe. It has everything – modern and vintage Patek Philippe pocket and wristwatches, historically important pocket watches from other manufacturers and watchmakers, an impressive collection of watches showcasing such crafts as enamelling, engraving, and gem-setting, and a vast watchmaking-related book collection, including the famous J.P. Morgan’s watch collection book.
Therefore, you’ll understand my interest in visiting this museum. As you might remember, when in London, I saw watches from the late, great Mr George Daniels, and marine chronometers from John Harrison; therefore, before visiting the Patek Philippe Museum, my expectations were already high.
The Nautilus
In general, the museum didn’t disappoint. For example, take the Nautilus collection. Currently, the museum houses a thematic exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the famous (and sort of discontinued) sports watch – the Nautilus. This was my first time seeing the watch in person. Is it synonymous with Patek Philippe? Yes and no. Of course, the design by Gerald Genta is recognisable, but for me, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is more appealing. Nevertheless, I appreciate the opportunity to see so many examples in person. Personally, Patek Philippe is more related to timepieces in precious metal rather than steel sports watches such as the Nautilus.
Patek Philippe Pocket Watches
I have the authorised biography of Patek Philippe; therefore, if I want, I can easily look up information on periods in the brand’s history or significant timepieces. If you are interested, I can wholeheartedly recommend the book by Nicholas Foulkes.
I also have, and I’ve read, the book about the battle between Henry Graves Jr. and James W. Packard, the two American businessmen who once assembled, by trying to outshine the other, a remarkable collection of Patek Philippe watches. I recommend that book. Therefore, you’ll understand my excitement when I saw the Graves Supercomplication, a monstrous pocket watch once auctioned for CHF 11 million. It is a beautiful piece of horological history with 24 complications. Remarkable.
Similarly, it was thrilling to see the Calibre 89, once the world’s most complicated pocket watch (currently that title belongs to Vacheron Constantin). This spectacular piece of mechanical art measures 88.2 mm in diameter and features 33 complications.
If these two pocket watches don’t entice you to appreciate and love watchmaking, then probably nothing will.
P.S. In one photo, you can see a Patek Philippe desk clock. Don’t be confused about how one could put that clock in a pocket. It was not meant for a pocket but rather for a desk.
World of watchmaking
As mentioned previously, the Stern family assembled a collection of creations not only from Patek Philippe, but also from other watchmakers – Breguet and others.
If you are planning to visit this museum, I recommend booking tickets in advance. The museum is open from 14:00 until 17:00, and they let people enter in batches. 50 people per hour. If all tickets are booked for the hour, Patek will not allow additional entries. When we left the museum, some visitors were turned away and advised to book for another day.
Additionally, no water bottles or cameras are allowed. You can take photos using your phone, but not with a more professional camera. Reason? I didn’t ask. The price for adults is only CHF 10.00.
Patek Philippe Wristwatches
How did it feel seeing the most complicated wristwatch ever made? The 20-complication Grandmaster Chime, priced at CHF 2.5 million? The wristwatch whose development took eight years and which marked the 175th anniversary of the famous Genevan brand? Goosebumps.
Or what it was like to see the reference 2499 chronograph, arguably the most beautiful and overall best chronograph ever created? It is hard to describe.
Patek Philippe wristwatches are special, especially the vintage chronographs. Have you seen the Tudor Black Bay Chronograph in person? It is a big watch; it sits like a rock on your wrist. Rolex Daytonas are better; they are proportioned and well-designed to fit comfortably on almost any wrist size. Patek Philippe chronographs, on the other hand, are in a league of their own. I haven’t yet been able to put one on my wrist, but from seeing them in person, you can immediately appreciate how small they are compared to others.
The chronographs and perpetual calendar watches were my favourite. I hope you know that Patek Philippe is credited with creating the first perpetual wristwatch.
It comes as no surprise that the Patek Philippe Museum is listed in the Geneva Watchmaking Guide as one of the must-see sites. Their 2500-strong collection is world-famous and worthy of a pilgrimage by any true watch enthusiast.
Should the Museum be listed in the Guide, but not the MB&F M.A.D. Gallery? I don’t believe so.
I hope this article convinced you to book a visit the next time you are in Geneva, if you haven’t already.
Please read my article on Geneva here, the experience at the MB&F Gallery here, and explore what we tasted in the French Alps here.
Kindly,
Olaaf
