Patek Philippe recently gave Japanese watch enthusiasts a unique opportunity to discover exclusive Patek Philippe timepieces, many of which traveled outside of Switzerland for the very first time. This unprecedented two-day exhibition held in Tokyo attracted some 3,000 visitors who came to admire the legendary beauty of so many precious timepieces made in Geneva.




The Caliber 89 in 18K yellow gold


“Beyond Generations” symbolically took place at Academy Hills 40 in Roppongi Hills, the new urban cultural district located in midtown Tokyo and known as the “Art-telligent City” – a symbol of diversity of thought and contemporary arts. The name of the event embodies the intrinsic values and philosophy of the Patek Philippe brand, namely tradition, innovation and the quest for unrivalled excellence in watchmaking. It acted as a reminder that a Patek Philippe is designed to last for generations: as the Patek Philippe business ownership passes from one generation to another, so do our precious watches.

Celebrating a new start for Patek Philippe in Japan

The exhibition was organized to celebrate the recent restructuring of Patek Philippe distribution in Japan. Over the past 45 years, Patek Philippe developed a close and successful cooperation with Nichibo Shoji K.K. and Isshin Watch company, both Patek Philippe distributors in Japan. To streamline distribution and further strengthen our after sales service, the decision was taken to create a new company – PP Japan Inc. – which was established on February 1, 2004.

The new company is now the exclusive distributor of all Patek Philippe products in Japan and is in charge of all commercial, service and communication activities for the Geneva watchmaker. Mr. Hideki Frank Nagano, Nichibo’s former Executive Director, has been appointed CEO of the new company.

A Future ‘Beyond Generations’ for Patek Philippe

The exhibition was officially opened on the evening of September 21, 2004, during a ceremony and reception attended by more than 400 guests, including key customers, influential business people, prominent artists, 200 journalists and four national television channels. Mr. Philippe Stern, President of Patek Philippe, recalled with emotion his first encounter with the Japanese market 40 years ago when he came with his father, Henri Stern. He spoke of family tradition and quality workmanship: “We concentrate on fine watchmaking and produce our watches with passion and pride”. He then introduced his son Thierry Stern, recently appointed Vice President of the company, who stressed the importance of preserving Patek Philippe values in management to provide this independent, family owned and run company a promising future ‘beyond generations’.

The largest Patek Philippe exhibition abroad in ten years

By showcasing unique timepieces for the first time outside of Switzerland, ‘Beyond Generations’ paid tribute to fervent Japanese watch lovers and their appreciation of fine craftsmanship. Sixty historical pocket watches, clocks, complicated timepieces and wristwatches thus traveled from the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva to Tokyo, alongside the complete current collection – making this the largest Patek Philippe exhibition abroad in the past ten years.

Among the prestigious timepieces displayed were the following:

Queen Victoria, an open-face keyless-winding patented invention fob-watch presented to Queen Victoria of Great Britain during the “Great Exhibition” of London in 1851.
The Flower Garden, an open-face keyless-winding pendant watch made in 1893 and bought as a gift for Marie Curie, Polish-born French scientist and twice Nobel Prize winner.
The “Henry Graves” Watch, a 12-function equipped complicated pocket watch, ordered by the New York Banker Henry Graves Jr. and delivered to Tiffany & Co., New York in 1928.
The “Koscowicz”, the first Patek Philippe wristwatch made in 1868.
An aviator’s split-seconds chronograph, the 1952 model that provided inspiration for the Ref. 5070 watch launched at the Basel Fair in 1998.
The Caliber 89 in 18K yellow gold, the most complicated portable timepiece in the world with 33 complications, a genuine masterpiece displayed by courtesy of a Japanese collector.
The Star Caliber 2000 pocket watch created to mark the millennium and combining 21 most fascinating complications. A full set of four unique pieces was on display.

World premiere launch of Patek Philippe new Gondolo collection Ref. 5111

The largest and most complete set of Patek Philippe watches from the current collection ever displayed outside the “Baselworld” fair completed this unique exhibition. A total of 600 timepieces, including grand complications such as the Sky Moon Tourbillon (the most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch from the regular collection), or rare specialty watches such as pocket watches with miniature enameling, cloisonné enameled Dôme table clocks, engraved watches, skeleton watches and Haute Joaillerie timepieces. “Beyond Generations” also provided a unique opportunity to launch, as a world premiere, the brand-new Patek Philippe Ref. 5111 Gondolo for men, a masterpiece in pure Art Deco style. This very stylish model features the famous, high precision, Patek Philippe Caliber 215 PS hand wound mechanical movement.

“Beyond Generations” – an unprecedented showcase of exceptional Patek Philippe timepieces outside of Switzerland – was a special gift to the Japanese market, celebrating the creation of a new company and paving the way for a promising future for Patek Philippe in Japan.




Gondolo Réf 5111


Source: Patek Philippe Press Release

www.patek.com
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