The Cheshire Magazine chats to Boyd Anderson, Watches of Switzerland Manchester General Manager

Can you introduce us to Patek Philippe and its heritage?

Patek Philippe is the oldest independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture, founded by Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe. Patek Philippe have been pursuing traditional Genevan watchmaking artistry since 1839 and hold full creative freedom. Since inception, Patek Philippe has been passionate about designing and developing timeless pieces that watch experts consider to be the world’s finest. Patek Philippe also has its own research and development department, meaning that it can create and engineer all movements and external components in its very own workshops. This means that individual parts of the movements and cases are produced, finished, and assembled in-house. This is for all pieces, from simple and classic models to grand complications.

What about Patek Philippe today?

Patek Philippe has been owned by the Stern family since 1932 and today is managed by Thierry Stern (President), Philippe Stern (Honorary President), and Claude Peny (CEO). Philippe Stern is responsible for shaping the history of the manufacture during his years as President, including significant building projects, the creation of the Patek Philippe Museum, and with the launch of exceptional timepieces such as the Calibre 89. Thierry Stern, Philippe’s son, is committed to protecting Patek Philippe’s technological leadership and his mission is to continuously improve the long-term quality, reputation and dependability of its timepieces. With being independent, Patek Philippe’s long-term vision includes total creative freedom and innovation. This determination to remain independent is at the heart of Patek Philippe.

As you mentioned, Patek Philippe values innovation, can you tell us more about this?

With avant-garde achievements and pioneering cutting edge technology, Patek Philippe holds a leading role in watchmaking artistry. Patek Philippe continue to innovate and has successfully filed over 100 patents, including twenty of major importance to the history of horology. The Patek Philippe Seal was also established as a hallmark for dynamic quality.

Regarding the Patek Philippe Seal, what does this mean for a Patek Philippe timepiece?

It’s a standard of excellence for Patek Philippe. The Patek Philippe Seal is a benchmark which is applied to all mechanical watches, guaranteeing the company’s quality. The criteria for the Patek Philippe Seal is the strictest in Swiss watchmaking. Patek Philippe founders, Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe, always held one goal and this was to develop and manufacture the finest timepieces in the world. This hasn’t changed today as Thierry Stern continues to stand by all the commitments outlined in the Patek Philippe Seal. I’m sure they will continue to for many more years to come too.

Can you tell us about a couple of your favourite timepieces?

Calatrava,

Ref. 4997/200G, £28,240

This stunning new timepiece features a guilloched lacquered dial with a slightly larger diameter of 35mm. What makes the Ladies’ Calatrava so special is that the dial plate is finely adorned with concentric waves. Coated with successive layers of transparent midnight blue lacquer, the subtle depth effect is just breath-taking. For an added touch of sparkle this Christmas, the bezel is lit up by 76 round-cut internally flawless Top Wesselton diamonds.

Complications,

Ref. 5180/1R, £84,070

The Calatrava skeleton watch is certainly one which is sure to turn heads, and the rose-gold just makes the piece even more beautiful. Its unique design has been completely decorated and engraved by hand, with the engraving process accounting for an astonishing 130 hours of work. This famous ultra-thin self-winding piece is a true showstopper.

Watches of Switzerland 9-11 St Anns Square, Manchester M2 7EF

www.watches-of-switzerland.co.uk

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