The Laings Journal
Patek Philippe maintains a belief of rare and traditional techniques, with each precious gemstone and diamond placed by the hands of experts who are masters of their craft. Under the careful watch of the Patek Philippe artisans, each gemset timepiece is decorated with the highest quality gemstones in the world.
In 1839, Patek Philippe vowed to create the finest timepieces in the world, with attention to detail considered in every element of the watch from the movement inside to the external details. Over 184 years later, Patek Philippe stands by its commitments embodied in the Patek Philippe seal, watchmaking’s most stringent quality criteria. Explore the art of gemsetting a Patek Philippe timepiece, creating some of the world’s most exceptional watches.
The Finest Gemstones
Each diamond and gemstone that graces a Patek Philippe timepiece will uphold the highest quality. All diamonds will be at the top of the colour range at D to G, free of inclusions (Internally Flawless) and correspond to the international grades “excellent” to “very good” cut grade. Rubies, emeralds and sapphires will also be the very best of their kind, exuding spectacular hues and enchantingly vibrant colour. Patek Philippe setters will always consider the shape and particular character of each gem, setting them in such a way that exhibits their inherent fire and beauty.
Masters of Craft
The setting of gemstones in a Patek Philippe timepiece is a delicate art, decorating each watch with the finest precious stones, adorning the bracelet, dial, lugs, case and bezel. Each Patek Philippe gem is set entirely by the hands of the expert gemsetter, never bonding the precious gems with adhesive. Diamonds, emeralds, sapphire and other precious gemstones are arranged meticulously demonstrating each one’s unique fire and intrigue.
While creating a remarkable gem-set Patek Philippe timepiece, the values to which each watch is withheld are never compromised. This means the gemsetter will adjust to the characteristics of the watch whether it features an ultra-thin movement, unusual alloy or decorative techniques such as guilloché and engraving. Patek Phillipe achieve this through various gemsetting techniques such as snow setting, invisible setting, pavé grain and grain setting.
A remarkable example of snowsetting can be seeing on the Nautilus Haute Joaillerie reference 7118/1450G. Diamonds adorn the case, bezel, bracelet and dial which is magnificently snow-set in a wave pattern typical of the ladies’ Nautilus collection. 2,553 brilliant-cut internally flawless Top Wesselton diamonds create an incredible kaleidoscope of fire and brilliance, making this timepiece both an aesthetic and technical masterpiece.
Laings is incredibly proud to be home to Patek Philippe in its Glasgow, Southampton and Cardiff showrooms. Book an appointment to view the prestigious collections or contact our experts to find out more.
Explore Patek Philippe Watches