The name Patek Philippe has long been synonymous with excellence, class, and luxury. Some of the most complex and beautifully designed timepieces have come from the Phillipe collection over the past nearly two hundred years.
These highly crafted wrist and pocket watches are among the top auction earners of all time. Remaining an independent company throughout its history, Patek Philippe has closely guarded its design secrets to ensure its creations remain as one of a kind. In fact, many watches are just that, one of a kind — as they’re made to order for clients on an individual basis.
The use of high-quality materials, unique design, and complex craftsmanship make these watches some of the most highly sought in the world. Follow along as we share with you the details of three of the most unusual and iconic Patek Philippe watches ever made.
5004T Titanium
The 5004T Titanium is a slight play on a regular offering from Patek Philippe. Encased in the rarely seen titanium shield, it boasts a solid gold dial and hand engraved check pattern on the face.
With a slightly sportier look that the original design, this watch has a split second chronograph, perpetual calendar, and a moon phase indicator. The band is elegantly crafted with a blend of supple calf leather and carbon fibre, mixing the soft with the strong for a truly unique feel and look. This particular model was sold at auction for over $4 million (£2.8 million) to a private collector.
Henry Graves Jr. Supercompilation
Crafted over a five-year span, this elegant and infamous watch was made in 1933 especially for the banker Henry Graves Jr.
The Henry Graves Jr. Supercompilation is said to be the most complicated wristwatch ever created and has become a historically recognisable timepiece. It features two dials, front and back, 24 complications, over 900 parts, and is made with 18K gold.
Some of the complex readings on Supercomplication include a perpetual calendar, minute repeater with Westminster chimes, sidereal time, and a celestial chart map of the skies above Manhattan.
Sky Moon Tourbillon 6002G
This unique watch is most recognisable for its dual-faced design. Traditionally, the Patek Philippe brand is known for its transparent backing that allows you to view the interior movements of the watch, but instead, this design has two fully functioning separate faces.
The Sky Moon Tourbillon 6002G is said to have the most complex movement within a modern wristwatch. On the front face, you find the current time and a perpetual calendar with retrograde date and moon phase. On the posterior face, there is a stellar image of the North sky, the Meridian passage of Sirius, and the moon and sidereal time on a 24-hour scale. All 69 parts move flawlessly in sync to create a true masterpiece of time.
