In the Patek Philippe 2023 Rare Handcrafts watch collection, five new pieces ingeniously integrate watchmaking and automotive elements.

Both are beloved mechanical masterpieces and are passions of the Stern family, as Thierry Stern eloquently explains. People who favor exquisite mechanical timepieces are often called “precision mechanics enthusiasts. ” This nickname can also describe car enthusiasts, and these two groups are often the same: for instance, the renowned Patek Philippe watch collector and founder of the Packard Motor Car Company, James Ward Packard (1863-1928). Both watches and cars are mechanical masterpieces that blend technology and aesthetics, embodying elegance and exceptional performance, with a charming and refined appearance.

Speed Symphony: Exclusive Racing Tribute Timepieces

In 2021, to honor the design aesthetics that blend watchmaking with automotive elements, Patek Philippe launched the “Advanced Research” series minute repeater watch REF. 5750. This timepiece is equipped with a patented sound amplification transmission system, and the dial features openwork decoration inspired by the spokes of vintage automobiles.

In 2023, the Rare Handcrafts Watch Series proudly presents 64 exclusive and limited-edition timepieces, some of which incorporate striking automotive elements. While the inspiration for the Patek Philippe watch collection is diverse, certain styles evolve around specific themes. This year is no exception, as Patek Philippe honors the sport of racing with five of its creations.

These five watches also fully embody Patek Philippe’s watchmaking philosophy:

“whether it involves mastering the long-term dedication and extensive experience required for ancient and rare handicrafts, or meticulously sculpting every design detail, we devote a great deal of time to refining our craftsmanship.”

Chronicles of Speed: Patek Philippe’s Iconic Race Watches

The 2023 Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts Watch Series unveils three exquisite models from the Calatrava series, REF. 5189G. Crafted in white gold and each limited to 10 pieces, these 38.6 mm watches pay homage to legendary racing events. Employing the grand feu cloisonné enamel technique for dynamic racing scenes and miniature painting for scenic backdrops, these timepieces celebrate the art of horology and the spirit of motor racing.

“1948 Nations Grand Prix” watch (REF. 5189G-001)

“1937 Monaco Grand Prix” watch (REF. 5189G-010)

“1956 Alpine Rally” watch (REF. 5189G-011).

Each timepiece celebrates a historic racing event, showcasing the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and precision.

Creating these race car motifs requires approximately 35 to 56 cm of gold wire and up to 17 colors of translucent, opalescent, and opaque enamels. Artisans use miniature brushes for the delicate application of enamel, as seen in the detailed landscape scenes like the Geneva harbor on the “1948 Nations Grand Prix” watch. Each dial undergoes 12 firings at around 820 degrees Celsius to achieve the desired finish.

The dial of the REF. 5189G-001 “1948 Nations Grand Prix” watch depicts the races from the 1948 season. The event took place between 1946 and 1950 on a circuit located between the Palais des Nations, the United Nations office site in Geneva, and Lake Geneva. In the background of the dial, the spire of Geneva’s Cathedral is easily recognizable, along with Geneva Harbor, not far from Patek Philippe’s historic headquarters, and the famous Jet d’Eau.

These limited edition watches are all equipped with Patek Philippe’s 240 ultra-thin automatic winding movement and feature unique characteristics, such as skeletonized hands and straps that recall the gloves worn by racers; the bezel is decorated with Patek Philippe’s classic Clous de Paris pattern; the platinum case is protected by a hinged dust cover over the sapphire crystal case back; each watch is engraved with the commemorative name and date of the race.

Calatrava F1: Craft and Luxury

The Calatrava series “Formula One Car ” watch, REF. 5077/355G, employs the grand feu cloisonné enamel technique to capture a thrilling moment from a Formula One race, drawing viewers in. The enameler used 54 centimeters of gold wire and 18 different enamel colors to create this scene, and also embedded gold foil beneath the translucent enamel at the position of the driver’s face.

The bezel is set with 24 baguette diamonds and 24 baguette rubies, with a red and white alternating design reminiscent of the edges of a racetrack, sure to catch the attention of racing enthusiasts. This watch also features the 240 ultra-thin automatic winding movement. The combination of enamel painting and gem setting, two historically rare handcrafts, brings a modern flair to the timepiece. The calfskin strap features an embossed pattern inspired by F1 tire treads, accented with red hand-stitched edges and complemented by a white gold pin buckle, which is adorned with 2 baguette diamonds and 4 baguette rubies (total weight approximately 0.33 carats).

Elegance in Motion: The Patek Philippe Racing Cars Clock

Patek Philippe breaks creative boundaries with the ingeniously crafted REF. 20149M  “Racing Cars “ grand feu cloisonné enamel dome clock, featuring a mechanically wound electric motor, evoking the excitement and elegance of racing from the early years.

The sides of the clock depict two blue racing cars speeding along a mountainous track, while the red racing car and its number on the dome will remind racing fans of the famed Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio. The clock face is meticulously crafted using the most unique materials and techniques. The hour marker ring resembles a steering wheel, made from the rare and dense yellow boxwood (difficult to work but excellent for polishing), featuring 12 hour markers and two rhodium-plated skeleton hands. The background is decorated with rhodium-plated engine-turned patterns reminiscent of the dashboards of vintage cars (and the decorative beauty of precision mechanical movements). Several “car dashboard ” elements are slightly recessed, actually serving as auxiliary dials of the clock. There is also a glimpse of a leather seat, perfectly creating the ambiance of driving a race car.

We are pleased to add several rare handcrafted masterpieces to the Patek Philippe watch collection, confident that they will win the favor of “precision mechanics enthusiasts” on various levels.