Abe Yasuharu's Patek Theory ~No. 166~ Experience Report! Watch Art Grand Exhibition (Tokyo 2023)

Good evening everyone.

Patek Philippe's big event " Watch Art Grand Exhibition (Tokyo 2023) " was held in Shinjuku, Tokyo . Did you go? Due to the effects of COVID-19, this event was forced to be postponed for about two years, but it was the largest exhibition area ever, over 2,500 square meters, and it was very impressive! I went three times when I had the time. (laughs)

There may be some people who couldn't make it to the event, so this time I'll be writing an "Experience Report" to let you know a little about the event! Please read until the end!

First, let's take a look at some of the limited edition models announced for the Tokyo event!

"Minute Repeater World Time" 18KRG
"Ref.5531R-014"

The Minute Repeater World Time "Ref. 5531R-014" has a motif of the host country (a map of Tokyo's Chuo Ward) and the sub-dial is decorated with cloisonné enamel.

The side of the case and the slide lever are decorated with hand-finished guilloched "Clou de Paris". I could see it through glass, but I would like to see the texture of this cloisonné and the divine sound of the minute repeater one day. Since it is limited to 15 pieces, I think that the number of people who can get it is very limited, but if you are lucky enough to get your hands on it, please come and show it off! (laughs)

"Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Split" PT
"Ref.5308P-010"

Ref. 5308P-010 is an updated model of the triple complication Ref. 5208 equipped with a minute repeater.

The "Ref.5208" itself is a complicated mechanism, but this model is equipped with a super complicated mechanism that also includes a "split second". This beautiful 42mm case with a PT (platinum) material and copper dial is said to have been produced in only 15 pieces. I wonder how much it will be worth when it hits the second-hand market...? I can't even imagine. (laughs)

"World Time Date" 18KWG
"Ref.5330G-010"

The "World Time" Ref. 5330G-010 features an unprecedentedly beautiful purple dial.

This is the model that caught my eye the most at this exhibition. It is a Tokyo-only model, with the city name "TOKYO" printed in red and the Japanese flag at the 12 o'clock position. The skeleton case back is also engraved with "PATEK PHILIPPE -TOKYO-". It is a limited edition of 300 pieces, so you have a better chance of getting your hands on it than the model we introduced earlier, but I think this beautiful design will be very popular.

Introducing a corner for each model!

From here on, I would like to introduce some of the photos I took! Please note that some of them may be a little difficult to see!

"Annual Calendar" corner

"Travel Time" and "World Time" corners

"Chronograph" and "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" corners

"Calatrava" corner

"Nautilus" corner

"Aquanaut" corner

Introducing a rare model!

At this event, many rare models were collected and exhibited from the Patek Philippe Museum. Let us introduce some of these rare models!

"World Time" "Ref.2523"

"World Time" "Ref.2523-1"

"Perpetual Calendar" "Ref.2497"

"Perpetual Calendar" "Ref.3450"

"Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" "Ref.3971"

"Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" "Ref.2499"

"Perpetual Calendar Chronosplit" "Ref.2571"

Japanese themed handcrafted models

Extra edition

Not only the watches, but the interior of the exhibition hall was also luxurious and beautiful, so we will briefly introduce it.

The entrance is reminiscent of Geneva, Switzerland

A booth reminiscent of the business negotiation space at the Geneva Salon

summary

What did you think.

For a free event, the content was very rich, and I honestly felt that it would have been better if it had been a paid event. There may be some parts that I haven't been able to fully convey, but I will definitely be able to share them with you in store, and I would be very happy if this column can convey at least a little of the atmosphere to those who were unable to attend.

And, I was a little embarrassed, but I asked a staff member to take a commemorative photo for me. I wasn't smiling, but I was having a lot of fun and was really excited. (laughs)

If we are able to write any more experience reports like this in the future, we would love to introduce them here on "Patek Theory"!

see you!