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Patek T150

September 2001




In what can only be described as a milestone in the history of two exceptional companies, Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. celebrate the 150th Anniversary of their partnership with the introduction of the “T 150” Limited Edition Timepiece this fall.

Patek Philippe, considered by many experts to be the finest watchmaker in the world, and Tiffany & Co., the world's premier jeweler and purveyor of fine luxury goods, share a unique relationship unmatched in U.S. retailing. The partnership began with a handshake agreement in 1851 between company founders Antoine Norbert de Patek and Charles Louis Tiffany. That agreement, based on shared principles and mutual trust, fostered a relationship that continues to promote the highest standards of excellence and innovation for which both companies are renowned.

The two companies have much in common. Both were established around the same time, Tiffany & Co. in 1837 and Patek Philippe in 1839, and both were founded on an uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship. The success of both companies is owed to this ongoing commitment to provide customers with the finest quality products and customer service.

It is in this spirit that Patek Philippe has created a small series of watches, called “T 150,” exclusively available at Tiffany & Co. in the United States.

Under the personal guidance of its president Philippe Stern and his son Thierry Stern, Patek Philippe has created a distinctive timepiece. Designed in the workshops of Geneva, the “T 150” is the first limited edition timepiece created specifically for a U.S. retailer. Because of the extraordinary relationship between Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co., Philippe Stern and his son took express care in the creation of the “T 150.”


“The `T 150' is a unique expression of Patek Philippe's unparalleled relationship with Tiffany & Co. The design of this timepiece touches all of us in a very personal way and gives the collector something that is truly rare and valuable,” said Philippe Stern. “We are very excited to celebrate this 150th Anniversary and to share a commitment to quality and value with such a distinguished partner.”
The watch is based on the company's patented Annual Calendar movement that adjusts for months with 30 or 31 days. The calendar requires re-setting only once a year on February 28 or 29 for a leap year. The highly accurate phases of the moon indication varies only by one day every 122 years. Another unique aspect of the “T 150” is that for the first time in over 30 years, Patek Philippe has re-created the simple, elegant look of rectangular window displays for the month, date and day of the week indications. This classic style was popular on watches made for the American market in the 1930s and 40s. At 12 o'clock, the dial features the distinctive Tiffany “T” and the names of both companies are also proudly displayed on the dial. Today, Tiffany & Co. is the only retailer name in the world that Patek Philippe allows to be printed on the dial of its watches.

A handsome case in 18K yellow, rose or white gold houses the watch and has a hinged back which opens to reveal the special movement through a sapphire crystal. When closed, the back of the watch shows an exquisite engraving of the original Patek Philippe store in Geneva along with the workshop facility shared by Tiffany & Co. and a waiting horse and cart. The engraving is dated 1851 - 2001 and shows the names of both companies on the building's facade as they appeared in the 1860's.

Limited edition timepieces from Patek Philippe are rare and of particular interest to collectors and owners who value their timeless beauty and enduring functionality. Patek Philippe timepieces are often sold at auction for prices far higher than the original sale, further underscoring the value inherent in each unique watch design. The complicated movement of the “T 150” is unique to Patek Philippe and highly desirable to collectors.

A total of 450 watches will be made available: 150 in yellow gold for $21,000 each, 150 in rose gold, and 150 in white gold for $22,500 each. The “T 150” is exclusively available at select Tiffany & Co. stores throughout the country. To further emphasize the uniqueness of this remarkable timepiece, Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. will present each watch in a specially designed Tiffany Blue™ outer box. The Tiffany box will also include a hard cover brochure featuring a special Certificate of Origin and a commemorative silver coin. Tiffany & Co. on New York's Fifth Avenue will devote all of its window displays to Patek Philippe for two weeks to coincide with the “T 150” introduction.

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SOURCE: PATEK PHILIPPE PRESS RELEASE