Keeping time

There’s exciting news for watch collectors, antiques lovers and history buffs alike.

Patek Philippe has announced “The Art of Watches, Grand Exhibition New York 2017” is coming to Manhattan this summer.

The free exhibition, set for July 13-23 at Cipriani 42nd Street, has been designed to both showcase the luxury brand’s tradition of high-precision watch manufacturing and offer a glimpse into the Geneva-based company’s 178-year history.

A two-story structure will be designed within Cipriani to accommodate the 13,218-square-foot exhibition, which will feature both pocket and wristwatches. Ten specific rooms will be created for the exhibition and are set to include the Film Theatre room where the Patek Philippe historical movie will be shown. In addition, the Current Collection room will showcase the latest styles in a design created to replicate the Patek Philippe Salon on the Rue du Rhône in Geneva. 

The Museum room, said to be very much like the company’s museum in Geneva, will be divided into two sections. The Antique Collection (1600s to 1900s) will be the focus of the first section and serve as a showcase of historical timepieces, including some of the earliest watches ever made. The second section will highlight historical Patek Philippe timepieces that date from its 1839 inception.

The Rare Handcrafts Gallery will be the home of artisans who will demonstrate the techniques used to decorate the company’s enamel timepieces and dome clocks, a living example of the company’s commitment to skillful creation and time-honored traditions.

In announcing the exhibition, Thierry Stern, president of Patek Philippe, commented, “From its earliest days, when our founder Antoine Norbert de Patek made his first journey to America in the 1850s until today, the importance of America to Patek Philippe can be seen through our history exhibited in the Grand Exhibition in New York… I am very proud that American visitors will be able to learn more about the historic and contemporary ties between our company and the American market.”

Jasmina Steele, the international communication and public relations director of Patek Philippe, added, “By offering visitors an immersion inside the world of Patek Philippe, we really want to share our passion for watchmaking and hope visitors will come out of the exhibition with a greater knowledge and appreciation of the art of watches.”

Guided tours will be offered each day, with school tours and a family day also planned. Tour-goers will be welcome to conclude their visit in the Patek Philippe Café. 

A dedicated exhibition website is expected to be launched in February.

For more, visit patekphilippe.com.

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