Innovation, breaking barriers and surpassing even the most outrageous mechanical and aesthetic expectations are all in a day’s work for Patek Philippe. If anyone does need more proof of the Genevan maison’s unparalled expertise in fine watchmaking, they need look no further than Patek’s new World Time Minute Repeater, unveiled at Baselworld 2018 this week.
Across the World
When the original Patek Philippe World Time Minute Repeater was launched in 2017, it was meant to be a limited edition of just 10 watches. It was also the very first watch in the brand’s portfolio to combine two grandes complications in a truly unique way.
Now, at Baselworld 2018, Patek Philippe introduces this incomparable timepiece as part of its regular collection.
The patented technology of the in-house R 27 HU caliber movement defies horological ingenuity and allows the minute repeater mechanism to accurately sound the time in the wearer’s local time-zone. Previous timepieces that combine Minute Repeaters and World Time complications were only able to sound the time in the wearer’s home time-zone.
Striking Success
Apart from its resounding technological and mechanical prowess, the Patek Philippe World Time Minute Repeater is a beautiful sight to behold.
Set in a 42mm 18K rose gold case, the dial itself has three distinct zones. At the centre is a meticulous likeness of the Lavaux winegrowing region, a UNESCO World Heritage site crafted in gold and cloisonné enamel. Surrounding the beautiful image is a 24-hour disc with a day/night display and finally, the outermost zone is a lacquered silver-plated city disc.
The hands, indicating the hours and minutes are also in rose gold to complement the case. The beautifully adorned, ultra-thin automatic movement with its hand-guilloché Clous de Paris decoration is visible through the sapphire crystal case back on the World Time Minute Repeater. This case back can be interchanged with a solid-18K gold one as well.
A glossy chocolate-brown alligator leather strap completes the elegant picture of this horological masterpiece. With the World Time Minute Repeater and more must-see novelties to come at Baselworld 2018 this week, Patek Philippe reminds us that they still remain at the very top of the watchmaking game.