A Look Back At Some Of Patek Philippe’s Most Remarkable ‘Rare Handcrafts’ Timepieces

Patek Philippe is arguably one of (if not), the most luxurious watch manufacturer in the world, and each year the Swiss company proves its prominence in the competitive industry by handcrafting around 40 unique timepieces, all of which ooze elegance and originality.

Over the years, Patek Philippe has hand crafted some truly remarkable timepieces including a selection of very detailed, colorful and highly decorative pocket watches. Since we have just entered into another New Year, we thought we’d celebrate Patek Philippe’s incredible workmanship and artistry heritage by taking a look back over the watchmakers’ ‘rare handcrafts’ collection.

Rare handcrafts – 10 Days Tourbillon ref. 5101/100R

Ref. 5101/100R is a stunning timepiece, which embodies the talents of Patek Philippe’s meticulous watch artisans perfectly. The most striking feature of the timepiece has to be the beautifully engraved 18ct rose gold rectangular case. Every square inch of the case (front and back), buckle, hands and crown are all tastefully engraved with an elegant motif.

The cream dial features 18ct rose gold numeral hour markers and the iconic rose gold leaf hands. The two sub dials located at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock indicate the power reserve levels and the seconds. The sophisticated creation is finished off with a hand-stitched brown alligator leather strap.

Credit: Patek Philippe

• Case: 29 mm 18ct rose gold case featuring a complex handcrafted pattern
• Calibre: TO 28-20 REC 10J PS IRM
• Movement: Manual winding
• Dial: Cream coloured rectangular dial with 18ct rose gold hour numerals and two sub dials
• Bracelet/ Strap: Hand stitched matt brown alligator leather strap and 18ct rose gold engraved buckle
• Date: 2011
• LIMITED EDITION 

Rare handcrafts – Foliage ref. 4909/107G

In 2012 the Swiss manufacturer introduced a number of ornate and dazzling timepieces to the ‘Haute Joaillerie’ collection. Our favourite 2012 addition is the 18ct white gold ‘foliage’ timepiece, which is set with a variety of baguette diamonds (approximately 1,719) and emeralds. The impressive dial is covered completely in brilliant cut diamonds with a select few emeralds set in the shape of leaves.

The beautiful wrist watch features a simple dial design with just two Roman numeral hour markers located at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The extraordinary jewel encrusted bracelet signifies that this remarkable timepiece is more than just a watch!

Credit: Patek Philippe

• Case: Estimated 25 mm 18ct white gold case featuring thousands of baguette diamonds and emeralds
• Calibre: 16-250
• Movement: Manual winding
• Dial: Diamond with emeralds set in a floral pattern
• Bracelet/ Strap: 18ct white gold bracelet embellished with diamonds and emeralds
• Date: 2012
• LIMITED EDITION

Rare handcrafts – Volutes and Arabesques 5088/100P

The next rare timepiece on our list is a model considered to be the ‘flagship’ model of Patek Philippe, the Calatrava. The attractive slim timepiece features a platinum ‘volutes and arabesques’ raised pattern on a black dial with ‘Dauphine’ platinum hands. The beautiful pattern required more than 30 hours of manual labour, artistry and engraving to guarantee its sharp and clean outcome.

The volutes and arabesques pattern continues onto the side of the wristwatch, further adding to its individuality. The one-of-a-kind timepiece is finished off with a comfortable and stylish black leather alligator strap with a hand-engraved decorated buckle fastener, a perfect addition to a clean and sophisticated dress watch.

Credit: Patek Philippe

• Case: Smooth finished platinum 38mm case with hand engraved screw-in crown
• Calibre: 240
• Movement: Manual winding
• Dial: Volutes and Arabesques platinum hand-engraved pattern, black dial, ‘Dauphine’ platinum hands
• Bracelet/ Strap: black leather alligator patterned strap with a platinum hand-engraved buckle
• Date: 2015
• LIMITED EDITION

Patek Philippe will always be ranked in the top 3 best luxury watchmakers in the world. Each and every timepiece the Swiss company creates emits a sense of grace and style, characteristics passionate collectors will always praise.

Why not browse through our selection of Patek Philippe by simply clicking here, or for a closer look at the entire ‘Rare Handcrafts’ collection, click here.