Watch Lovers: There Is Still Time To Visit The Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition In Tokyo And Maybe Snag A Watch Of Your Dreams

Until June 25, watch lovers still have time to visit the Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition in Tokyo. There, the esteemed brand has unveiled a stunning collection of six special editions and a Rare Handcrafts collection exclusively for the Japanese market. These exceptional timepieces were presented on the opening day of the Grand Exhibition “Watch Art” Tokyo 2023 and showcase the brand’s dedication to preserving rare handcrafts.

There are multiple categories of timepieces being showcased. In the Wristwatches Tokyo 2023 series, Patek Philippe presents limited-edition timepieces with dials reflecting various aspects of Japanese culture. The collection combines rare hand-craftsmanship with fine watchmaking. There are six important Japan-market-only wristwatches that were unveiled.

Several of those timepieces boast soft pastel and bright pastel colors that offer a sense of joy and elevation to a typically very serious color palette. Among the highlighted six wristwatches are a Quadruple Complication Limited Edition Tokyo minute repeater, split-seconds chronograph and perpetual calendar, two three-hands Calatrava pieces in bright dial/strap color combinations, a world time reference with the rising sun in red, and World Time Minute Repeater.

The Rare Handcrafts Collection Tokyo 2023 features 40 exquisite creations, including dome clocks, table clocks, pocket watches, and wristwatches. Patek Philippe’s Limited Editions Tokyo 2023 collection offers Japanese watch connoisseurs an exclusive opportunity to own extraordinary rare and limited-edition creations. The watches not only celebrate the brand’s mastery of traditional and innovative techniques, but also celebrate the Japanese culture and history.

In addition to super high horology movements, the newest watches showcase various intricate techniques such as hand engraving, guilloché work, gemsetting, and enameling, including Grand Feu cloisonné enamel, miniature painting on enamel, paillonné enamel, flinqué enamel, and grisaille enamel. Patek Philippe also combines different techniques, such as cloisonné enamel and hand engraving, to create unique mixed-technique pieces for many of the new releases.

The Dome Table Clocks Tokyo 2023 series stands out with its rounded side panels and cupola design, providing an ideal canvas for innovation and beauty. The collection of Domed Table Clocks for this year’s Grand Exhibition naturally draws inspiration from Japanese culture, including themes like calligraphy, cherry blossoms, and more. Each clock tells a captivating story, from floral decorations created with fine gold wire to seascape and Tokyo cityscape designs.

The Table Clocks Tokyo 2023 collection pays homage to the exhibition’s host city of Tokyo. The highlight of this series is the table clock entitled “Tokyo as the Crow Flies,” featuring a stylized plan of the city in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel. The dial and rounded silver side panels display the streets, parks, and lakes of Tokyo.

For the Pocket Watches Tokyo 2023 collection, Patek Philippe showcases a range of unique pieces adorned with intricate decorations. The designs extend beyond the case backs and dials, often spilling over onto the bezels and cases. The themes of the watches vary from Shizuoka and Mount Fuji landscapes to the celebration of nature and life via eagles and florals.

This event is one that – with the exception of the pandemic years – takes place every two years in different locations around the world. It is one of the watch industry’s most anticipated exhibitions by a single brand, and a huge undertaking of incredible time, expense and dedication to watchmaking.