Discover

Inside Geneva’s Most Exclusive Watch Exhibit: Patek Philippe’s Rare Handcrafts

One of the most anticipated moments of Geneva’s annual watch week, beginning on April 1, is the Patek Philippe’s renowned Rare Handcrafts exhibition.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo
Hosted at its prestigious Rue du Rhône salon, the Patek Philippe Annual Rare Handcrafts exhibit will open to the public on April 5 / Photo via Patek Philippe
Hosted at its prestigious Rue du Rhône salon, the Patek Philippe Annual Rare Handcrafts exhibit will open to the public on April 5 / Photo via Patek Philippe

Hosted at its prestigious Rue du Rhône salon, the Patek Philippe Annual Rare Handcrafts exhibit will open to the public on April 5, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary artistry behind the brand’s most intricate timepieces.

 

This year’s collection presents 78 meticulously crafted watches, pocket watches, and clocks, each demonstrating exceptional métiers d’art techniques such as grand feu cloisonné enamel, miniature painting on enamel, grisaille enamel, flinqué enamel, paillonné enamel, Fauré enamel, hand engraving, guilloché work, and masterful gem-setting. 

These highly exclusive creations, many of which are one-of-a-kind, will be available for purchase throughout the exhibition, which runs until April 26 / Photo via Patek Philippe
These highly exclusive creations, many of which are one-of-a-kind, will be available for purchase throughout the exhibition, which runs until April 26 / Photo via Patek Philippe

These highly exclusive creations, many of which are one-of-a-kind, will be available for purchase throughout the exhibition, which runs until April 26.

Patek Philippe’s horological treasures

While several Swiss luxury watchmakers produce exceptional métiers d’art pieces, Patek Philippe consistently sets itself apart through the sheer volume and ingenuity of its annual collection. The 2025 showcase features an impressive selection, including 23 dome table clocks and small dome table clocks, a unique desk clock, 10 pocket watches, and 44 wristwatches spanning the Calatrava and Golden Ellipse lines.

 

The exhibit also highlights pioneering craftsmanship, such as the application of Longwy enamel on faience and intricate wood micro-marquetry, which, for the first time, adorns a dome table clock.

Admission is free, but online registration is required / Photo via Patek Philippe
Admission is free, but online registration is required / Photo via Patek Philippe

Visitors to the legendary Patek Philippe salon at 41 Rue du Rhône will have the rare opportunity to experience these masterpieces in an elegant setting. In the main gallery, 12 Calatrava wristwatches take center stage, each featuring dials decorated with grisaille enamel, Limoges blanc de cloisonné enamel, and paillonné enamel, depicting zodiac constellations with remarkable precision.

Beyond timekeeping

The lakeside salon will immerse guests in themes celebrating the natural world, from flourishing landscapes to exotic wildlife. Among the standout pieces is the Golden Ellipse wristwatch Ref. 5738/50J-011 “Yellow-Crested Cockatoo”, showcasing a stunning dial crafted in cloisonné enamel and enhanced with miniature painting on enamel.

 

Meanwhile, the Rue du Rhône-facing salon will be dedicated to timepieces that pay homage to extraordinary human achievements across painting, music, literature, architecture, and sports. 

A particularly notable creation is the dome table clock Reference 20191M-001, titled “Skiing in Days Gone By,” which exquisitely combines cloisonné enamel with miniature painting techniques to capture the nostalgia of winter sports from a bygone era.

 

This prestigious exhibition is open to the public free of charge, though visitors are required to register online in advance to secure their place at one of Geneva’s most exclusive horological events.

Visitors to the legendary Patek Philippe salon at 41 Rue du Rhône will have the rare opportunity to experience these masterpieces in an elegant setting / Photo via Patek Philippe
Visitors to the legendary Patek Philippe salon at 41 Rue du Rhône will have the rare opportunity to experience these masterpieces in an elegant setting / Photo via Patek Philippe

Key information

  • What is the Rare Handcrafts exhibition by Patek Philippe? It is an annual showcase of intricate métiers d’art techniques applied to watches, pocket watches, and clocks.
  • Where and when will the Patek Philippe exhibition take place? It will be held at the Patek Philippe salon on Rue du Rhône in Geneva from April 5 to April 26, 2025.
  • What are some of the artistic techniques featured in the collection? The collection includes grand feu cloisonné enamel, miniature painting on enamel, flinqué enamel, hand engraving, and guilloché work.
  • How can visitors attend the exhibition? Admission is free, but online registration is required.

If you found this article about Patek Philippe interesting, please share it. You can also read these articles about the Watches & Wonders. You can also check out other articles in the Discover section.

Receive the latest news

Subscribe To Our Magazine

Luster Magazine

Digital Magazine

Ingresa los siguientes datos y comienza a disfrutar de nuestra revista digital.