A Horological Pilgrimage To The Patek Philippe Museum

‘A Horological Pilgrimage To The Patek Philippe Museum’

On January 1, 2022 Charlie Dunne wrote for Collectability about his visit to The Patek Philippe Museum.

Patek Philippe reference 541. Image credit: Collectability

“My desire to visit The Patek Philippe Museum began in May of 2015 after watching coverage of the twelve-day event: “Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition London”. Just two years later, I would observe online as so many incredible timepieces traveled across the world again for “The Art of Watches Grand Exhibition New York”. I was left feeling as if I had missed two opportunities of a lifetime by not flying north from Florida to attend the events. When the publicity of what appeared to be the best exhibition in Singapore of 2019 took place, I made a promise to myself that I would travel to Switzerland in 2020 to witness the museum in person. However, within the first quarter of 2020, the world came to an abrupt halt with the COVID-19 pandemic. I am incredibly fortunate that neither I, nor my loved ones, were affected by the disease. I was also blessed to have had an incredible support system by way of family, job security, and a community of passionate watch enthusiasts that invigorated my passion and education while being secluded. In what felt like a perpetual rate of output, Collectability provided comprehensive articles, in-depth YouTube videos, and began an unrivaled podcast that provided as much Patek Philippe content as I could possibly ask for.”

Within the article, several of the following timepieces are highlighted.

Digital/Jump Hour Wristwatches

Charlie previously wrote about these jump hour in an article for Collectability ‘Patek Philippe In Depth: Jump Hour Wristwatches’.

Patek Philippe rectangular tortue jump hour 1927 retailed by Grogan Co.. Engraved “Presented to T.H. Gillespie by Employees of Standard Steel Car Co., May 1, 1903 – May 1, 1930”.

Platinum Patek Philippe Jump Hour - Digital Wristwatch retailed by Tiffany & Co. 1930. — Patek Philippe cushion tortue digital jump hour in platinum. Retailed by Tiffany & Co. 1930. Image credit: ‘Rolex’ by George Gordon.

Photoelectric Desk Timepieces

Charlie previously wrote about the photoelectric timekeeping division of Patek Philippe within the article ‘Collectability In-Depth: Solar Desk Timepieces’.

Patek Philippe Reference 784 (The Fox & The Crow)

Charlie previously wrote about the reference 784 within the article ‘Collectability: The Crow & The Fox. Patek Philippe's Phenomenal Prototype Pocket Watch’.

Patek Philippe reference 784 The Crow & The Fox — *Image credit:* *PuristSPro*

“I arrived in Geneva and immediately went to the museum. Upon entering the lobby, I was astounded by who I would see first — none other than Peter Friess, the museum director who personally guided a few visitors into the lobby to demonstrate an automaton of singing birds. The mechanical creatures whistled and rotated on the edges of a floral arrangement on top of a fountain clock. It was as if by fate this incomparable first impression occurred. We were then greeted by our tour guide, Ute Blechschmidt, and proceeded into the next room. As I slid my key card and was granted access through the automatic sliding doors, a wave of euphoria would come over me as I had finally arrived.”