The Laings Journal
The wait is finally over, the client’s ‘’Holy Grail’’ timepiece has finally arrived. Having waited many years for this ultra-rare watch, we decided to make the moment particularly memorable with a truly immersive experience.
The day starts bright and early, we have a lot planned so were catching the 7am from Heathrow to Geneva. When the plane lands in Geneva we whisk the clients of to the epicentre of Patek Philippe’s history, starting at the Salon which resides on the famous Rue Du Rhône. The history here dates back to 1853 when the building was initially purchased and only the ground floor was used for manufacturing and offices. The building is steeped in history, in particular the “Salon Napoleon III” room. Facing Quai Général Guisan, it has now been carefully restored as a salesroom, respecting the genuine style of the original salon.
At every turn there is something interesting to discover. The building is beautifully restored, even down to the leather print walls and original Tiffany safes that sit inside the salesroom. In the centre of the ground floor, hanging in the atrium, is an impressive chandelier which hangs from the 1st floor. There are several other crystal chandeliers designed by the French craftsman, Baguès.
We then take the lift to the 5th Floor where Patek have created a bespoke VIP area for various functions throughout the year. Today it is all ours and we take full advantage of the beautiful view overlooking Lake Leaman. The Jet D’eau landmark is to our right and Montblanc is further in the distance but still quite close. The view is stunning, imagining that the watchmakers many years ago would have had not only the pleasure of making Patek Philippe timepieces, but also to gaze out over the lake and mountains. Every day must have been inspirational.
The vast room is filled with stylish furniture and paintings of the lake which have been hanging in the building for many years. After some more time to take in the view we are led back down to the first floor, where Patek keep their Grand Complications collection.
Here we are invited to take a look at the some of the company’s masterpieces. This is what Patek are known for, and in a whole floor dedicated to them it is like finding treasure as these watches are rarely seen. We take a seat at one of the desks and the Patek staff member brings over two minute repeaters for us to experience. There are many watch houses that make this complication but none do it quite like Patek Philippe. The quality control is so tight that the final stage of testing is a private audience with President Thiery Stern. If he feels that the watch is not making quite the perfect sound it will go back to the watchmaker’s bench to be dismantled and reworked.
Of course the two on we hear are flawless and the sounds coming from the hammers inside the watch are beautiful. The complexity of making such a movement is at the highest level and many watchmakers train for decades to build up the expertise to create one. The watches themselves take a long time to complete - in some cases over a year - and with many components being likened to less than the thickness of a hair we can understand why. Even these minute parts are hand finished like all the others.
After being thoroughly immersed in the world of Patek Philippe, it is finally time to present the watch to the client, the anticipation having been built up throughout the morning. Surrounded by the brand’s rich, the watch is brought out by the staff on a serving tray. With the watch covered it is handed to the client so he can reveal it to himself. The joy is clear and the watch perfect, a work of art worth the wait.
This could not have been a more perfect day. To be engrossed in the world of Patek just for a few hours will make you a customer for life. This watch now starts its history with its new owner and I’m sure will be cherished for many years to come. Patek Philippe’s moto resonates more than ever. "You never actually ownd a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation."
Thank you for arranging such a magical day. The watch is absolutely astounding and the day was made truly special with the collection experience. I very much appreciated what was done with the salon, lunch, museum and not least the watch! I understand how fortunate I am and every time I wear the piece I will be reminded of my trip to Geneva and Patek Philippe. Thank you for making it so special.
If you would like to find out more about Patek Philippe we would be delighted to welcome you into our in-store Salon at Parkhouse Hampshire, where one of our highly trained specialists will be at your disposal.
To make an appointment please contact Stewart Simpson on 02380 226 653 or email [email protected]