The Grandmaster Chime (ref. 5175) – Part IV from the 175th Anniversary

Oct 20, 2014,07:48 AM
 

The greater the originality of the design, the greater the value of the piece.





In times of CNC and CAD it is (probably) not enough to present the most complicated wrist watch with 20 complications, only. With serious funds behind it might be possible to do such an amazing project, not only for Patek Philippe. When we expect to see something even more impressive with absolutely outstanding skills needed, there has to be something on top and not only today. It is a timepiece seven years in the making and will only be manufactured in an edition of seven pieces (one for the PP Museum and six for the market).


Not for the first time PP surprised with something extraordinary dedicated to rare handcrafts. Mr. Stern (senior) supports those kinds of rare handcrafts since a long time and he even did it when there was almost no market for it. He just felt it had to be done and so he spent his own money on it. Now it pays back as only a few (if at all) are able to provide those rare handcrafts on their watches and especially when we look at the quality shown in detail. High attention to details is what we need here, but it could be challenging not to be distracted by the sheer number of complications, features, parts (1.366, movement only) … crafts shown.









Is it possible to get the “full picture” without experience/education in-depth? At least I had to ask myself.





Let´s start with some simple iPhone pictures to get the first impressions (prototype without engraving):





















What we already can see, it is not too big for what it is – even when it probably won´t get that much time on any wrist. Nonetheless it is the first piece of that kind from Patek Philippe which is for the wrist.

 

One of the strength of PP is to make even the grand complications wearable in size. No surprise some people asked for a try on their wrist – not me, not yet.





More to come …


This message has been edited by small-luxury-world on 2014-10-20 07:49:08


More posts: 175th collection5175complicationsgrand complications

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The Grandmaster Chime, Ref. 5175R – more live pictures, details and impressions

 
 By: small-luxury-world : October 20th, 2014-08:01
For the brand’s 150th anniversary (back in 1989), PP surprised the horological world with the Caliber 89 , famously known as the most complicated watch in the world , and limited to four examples. Yes, four compared to seven pieces this time. What we shou...  

Thanks again Oliver for your continuous reporting on the 175th anniversary !!

 
 By: GLau : October 20th, 2014-08:13
Eagerly awaiting for more photos and your thoughts / comments on the Grandmaster Chime (especially the engraving process) and on any other commemorative pieces. Cheers, Gordon

Thanks, Gordon.

 
 By: small-luxury-world : October 21st, 2014-01:18
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I ordered that book last wednesday :-)

 
 By: Bruno.M1 : October 20th, 2014-10:53
After I saw your book it was the first thing I did when I returned to the hotel :-) Thanks for another interesting post Oliver

Thanks Bruno, but I hope ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : October 21st, 2014-01:20
your lovely girlfriend is not blaming me now :-) Cheers, Oliver

My pleasure.

 
 By: small-luxury-world : October 21st, 2014-01:20
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To admire all details here will cost you a lot of time: better you have the sonnerie on

 
 By: COUNT DE MONET : October 20th, 2014-13:04
Undoubtedly a perfect watch, the modern watch from Patek. I like the pictures where you have combined the watch with adequate places. Many thanks for the post. Best Moritz

Moritz, everything comes with a price.

 
 By: small-luxury-world : October 21st, 2014-01:21
:-) Thanks! Oliver

Thank You very much!

 
 By: santiagoamr : October 20th, 2014-22:36
Sir, Thank you for such magnificent post, and service. I rarely login but I had to do so today in order to congratulate you and thank you for such exemplary work. Cordially Santiago

Replies like this are rewarding. Thanks a lot ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : October 21st, 2014-01:24
because sometimes that kind of motivation is needed to work on late night after daily business :-) Best, Oliver

Ref 5175r report

 
 By: geross : October 25th, 2014-02:54
Just fabulous , 20 complications. Just amazing & a watch of fine craftmanship. Very handsome & smart. Thanks a lot Oliver , great reporting , makes us proud to own a patek or two. Regards geross

Thans Oliver for an amazing report ( yet again(

 
 By: watch-guy.com : November 6th, 2014-11:33
I can now see inspirtaion for this piece from the museum pieces shown A lot of it makes sense . As you say not everyones cup of tea but it certainly can be appreciated.. Thanks very much Enjoying the 175 celebration from afar Julian -

Great Report

 
 By: WTA : November 5th, 2014-23:21
I wanted to discuss with a friend of mine about the mythical Patek Philippe. I wanted to find out information about this watch, I entered a site to collect information because I am sure that there are reports on these watches :) Thank you for your tremend...