Well, if you haven’t already heard, 2014 marks the 175th anniversary of the most highly regarded names in the industry, Patek Philippe. As one would expect, the horological giant released several limited edition pieces to commemorate their anniversary, and to say that they didn’t disappoint would be one massive understatement. Between the all new World Time Moon references, the rather quirky Multi-Scale Chronograph, and the awe-inspiring Grandmaster Chime, Patek Philippe surely made their 175th anniversary one to remember.
First things first, the World Time references from Patek are already some of their most coveted pieces. They offer beautiful details such as the hand-crafted cloisonne or guilloché dials, alongside what we believe to be a quite useful complication, all finished in a way that some would dare call perfection. The all new World Time Moon (reference 5575) is similar to their previous World Time offerings, with the added feature of a beautiful moonphase complication located at the center of the dial, along with the brand’s all new Caliber 240 HU LU micro-rotor movement. We especially love the lug design on this piece, as it harkens back to vintage World Time references, with modern updates. Patek will also offer the reference 7175, a smaller, diamond-adorned version designed with a lady’s wrist in mind.
Patek Philippe World Time Moon (Reference 5575)
Calibre 240 HU LU
Now, the Multi-Scale Chronograph (reference 5975) is somewhat of an odd piece. It incorporates a pulsometer scale, telemeter scale, and a tachymeter, and no registers whatsoever. Typically, watches bearing multiple scales would’ve featured running seconds, and a minute counting subdial, so what you’re getting here is a different sort of chronograph, to be used for the sole purpose of measuring and calculating different properties. Nonetheless, we’re sure that in true Patek fashion, it will be highly regarded by collectors for its truly unique nature.
Patek Philippe Multi-Scale Chronograph (Reference 5975)
Lastly, but most impressively, Patek went an unveiled their most complicated wristwatch to date. Dubbed the Grandmaster Chime (and the Furious Five?), this 47mm dual-dialed horological behemoth is the product of 8 years of development, and it was surely worth the wait. Bearing 20 complications, this watch is technically not the most complicated wristwatch ever made, but it is for Patek Philippe. Its minute repeater and alarm functions are truly unlike anything we’ve ever heard, and to be quite frank, words can’t describe it. All of this haute horology goodness is packaged inside a hand chiseled and carved rose gold case, that articulates at the lugs to change your view of either dial. I’m personally still trying to figure out how this project was physically possible!
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime (Reference 5175)
Caliber 300 GS AL 36-750 QIS FUS IRM
So if you thought you had a great birthday this year, you just got one-upped. Patek presented quite a terrific collection, that won’t only get collectors interested for the moment, but will transcend generations and make its mark on the history of horology. From all of us here at Wound For Life, happy 175th, Patek Philippe!
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