These made-for-Tokyo exclusives span stupendous complications to elegant three-hand models
There are many reasons why you’d love to head to Japan. Now, Patek Philippe adds another to the list: a visit to its epic grand exhibition. The Patek Philippe ‘Watch Art’ Grand Exhibition Tokyo is the watchmaking house’s sixth large-scale showcase, and it runs from now till 25 June 2023 at the Sumitomo Sankaku Hiroba in Shinjuku. As it is with previous Grand Exhibitions held in Singapore, New York, London, Munich and Dubai, the Tokyo edition is an immersive affair. Comprising various faithfully reconstructed spaces, the exhibition teleports visitors to the watch brand’s workshops at Plan-les-Ouates, as well as the Patek Philippe Museum and legendary boutique in Geneva.
The Patek Philippe ‘Watch Art’ Grand Exhibition Tokyo 2023 also showcases some 500 timepieces, including rare historic timepieces, objets d’art and, of course, exclusive editions to commemorate the event. Here are the five limited edition pieces all Patek Philippe aficionados are currently calling first dips on.
Reference 5308P-010
A technically complex heavyweight, the Reference 5308P-010 combines a minute repeater, a spilt-seconds chronograph, and an instantaneous perpetual calendar in a dashing package. A follow-up to the Ref. 5208 from 2011, the new model upgrades on the chronograph feature with new spilt-seconds functionality. At the same time, the watch’s performance has been improved across all levels, including its overall energy efficiency, robustness, and tactility. The Ref. 5308P-010’s polished platinum case frames a rose-gilt opaline dial, and the watch comes with two interchangeable casebacks: one in sapphire crystal and another in platinum—both inscribed with the words ‘Patek Philippe Tokyo’. Limited to 15 pieces.
Reference 5531R-014
With its evocative multi-time zone complication and real estate on the dial that lends itself to artful expressions, the Patek Philippe world time watch is often chosen as a commemorative timepiece to mark important milestones and events. On the Ref. 5531R-014, a world timer with minute repeater that strikes the local time, the watch is anchored by a Grand Feu cloisonné enamel dial center depicting the historic Chuo district in central Tokyo. This model follows earlier Ref. 5331R Grand Exhibition edition models made for New York (2017) and Singapore (2019). Limited to 15 pieces, the Tokyo edition comes in a 40.2mm rose gold case, and interchangeable casebacks in rose gold and sapphire crystal engraved with ‘Patek Philippe Tokyo’.
Reference 5330G-010
This stunning world time model brings a world-first technical upgrade to the party: a date display that is automatically synchronised with the local time. This underrated but highly practical feature eliminates the need to reset the date display each time you adjust the watch when travelling. While the patented innovation deserves applause, the watch’s exquisite ornamentation is just as remarkable. Housed in 40mm white gold, it gleams with a plum-coloured guilloche dial. Paying homage to Japan, the watch’s 24-city world time flange features ‘Tokyo’ in red, while the traditional sun symbol is replaced by a rising sun motif. Limited to 300 pieces.
Reference 7121/200G-010
An aesthetic switch-up based on a similar ladies’ moon phase model from 2022, the Ref. 7121/200G-010 in 33mm white gold comes with a gorgeous grey sunburst dial and alligator strap. The exclusive colour lends glamour and a touch of mystique to the evening accompaniment, accentuated by a double row of 132 brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel. At six o’clock, the dial flaunts a moon phase display, which charts the waxing and waning of the moon. The indicator is so accurate that the it deviates from the true lunar cycle by only one day in 122 years. Limited to 200 pieces.
Reference 6127G-010 and Reference 7127G-010
Patek Philippe fans would have been privy to these two models for a couple of months now. Introduced in late-2022 and available exclusively to the Japanese market as a teaser to the ‘Watch Art’ Grand Exhibition Tokyo, this pair of his-and-hers Calatrava watches come in 36mm white gold for men, and 31mm for ladies. Featuring newly designed cases with bevelled two-tier lugs and elegant cheveu-style hands, the men’s version flaunts a light blue lacquered dial, and the ladies’ version rocks a lilac hue. Collectors can opt to have these watches as a pair—delivered in a special double presentation box limited to 300 sets—or separately, capped at 100 pieces each.
