After more than two years of restoration and significant revamping, Patek Philippe last month opened the first Maison Patek Philippe in China in the historic Bund area of Shanghai. This new exclusive venue marks seven years of growing success in the Chinese market developed with long-standing partner Melchers Group. The company’s presence in China began with the inauguration of a Patek Philippe Boutique in Shanghai in 2005, now to be replaced by the Maison Patek Philippe, and of a second Boutique in Beijing in 2008. The Maison Patek Philippe will offer Chinese watch collectors and enthusiasts an intimate place to share views and knowledge of fine timepieces as well as to experience the exceptional brand heritage of the famous Genevan watchmaking company.

The Maison Patek Phillippe in Shanghai

The official opening ceremony of the Maison Patek Philippe was hosted by Patek Philippe’s Honorary President Philippe Stern, alongside current President Thierry Stern and Managing Director Claude Peny, in the presence of Zhou Wei, Mayor of the Huangpu District, and Matthias Claussen, Managing Partner of Melchers Group. “The new site of the Maison Patek Philippe has a unique geographical advantage and cultural background. We wish to demonstrate our brand history and values to a growing number of watch lovers in China. Buying a Patek Philippe watch is also about sharing the passion and dedication of several generations of a family-owned watch company,” said Thierry Stern.

The Maison Patek Philippe creates, for the first time in Asia, a venue serving a similar function as a Patek Philippe Salon. It highlights a remarkable display of beautiful timepieces with an invitation to experience the legendary history and values of Patek Philippe as well as its outstanding customer service. In this distinguished location of Shanghai, the first Maison Patek Philippe bears a unique status and architectural style that will delight enthusiasts of beauty and art.

The interior of the Maison Patek Philippe in Shanghai

With the upgrading of the Service Center in Shanghai, Patek Philippe reaffirms its long-term dedication to offer professional service to Chinese customers. The new Customer Service Center, with its entirely independent space of nearly 1,000 square meters situated near the Maison, has been significantly improved to guarantee consistent business operations and customer service following the strict standards specified by the Geneva headquarters.

The Maison Patek Philippe is located in the historic Bund area, a neo-classical and colonial style district offering spectacular views of Shanghai. It shares ground with the former British Consulate built in 1849 and embodies a blend between Chinese and Western cultures. The Maison Patek Philippe is housed in the former British Consul’s Residence, a building that dates back to 1884, at No. 33 Waitanyuan, on the converging point of two rivers. Shanghai opened up its port to foreign trade at this historical starting point. Great care was taken in the restoration phase to preserve the original two-story wood and brick structure of Roman and Corinthian styles, thus restoring the former brilliance of a historic landmark in Shanghai. As is a tradition in the family-owned company, Gerdi Stern, wife of Philippe Stern and mother of Thierry Stern, put her whole heart into the interior decoration of this new Patek Philippe home. All the furniture and artistic ornaments come from Switzerland, France and Italy, adding a touch of grace and nobility. The invitingly warm salon atmosphere is reminiscent of the classical elegance of Napoleon III, accented with Louis XVI antiques. Crystal chandeliers tailor-made by Bagues, a purveyor to the French royal court, were installed in the halls and display rooms. The showcases are built in wood and finished with paint and gilding. Every detail and work of art was carefully selected to allow visitors to experience the Patek Philippe universe of aesthetics, culture and hospitality.

Covering an area of 1,227 square meters on two floors, the Maison Patek Philippe spans nine rooms including the main exhibition hall, which accommodates the complete Patek Philippe current collection, the largest collection on display in Asia.

Ref. 5130G by Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe specially designed a limited edition series of four commemorative watches in platinum for the occasion celebrating the Year of the Dragon with a cloisonné enamelled dial featuring a Dragon motif. In addition, a special Shanghai World Time model was created in a limited edition of 50 pieces, 25 pieces in rose gold and 25 pieces in white gold with a 24-timezone dial indicating Shanghai in red instead of the usual time zone indication of Hong Kong.

The legendary Star Calibre 2000 timepiece was also brought from Geneva to Shanghai for the inauguration ceremony. With 21 complications, this exceptional timepiece is the world’s third most complicated pocket watch. These special watches highlight the rare and superb traditional craftsmanship, technical innovation and legendary timelessness for which the brand stands.