Luxury watchmaker Patek Philippe, whose creations were some of the best watches at Baselworld 2015, has taken over London’s Saatchi Gallery to stage a fortnight-long Watch Art Grand Exhibition.
The free exhibition will be open to the public every day, allowing unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to one of the world’s most famous luxury brands. Structured around 15 themed rooms, the show will offer visitors the chance to view over 400 antique, rare and important timepieces which have been loaned by museums, collectors and celebrity owners for this unique event.
Highlights of the show include the Binocular room, where movements so tiny they are invisible to the naked eye can be viewed through a microscope, and the Napolean room, which promises to transport visitors to the stunning Patek Philippe Salon on Rue du Rhone in Geneva. Those who like their horology with a little history should be sure to visit the Rare Handcrafts Room, containing some of the world’s rarest and most delicate timepieces, and the Royal Room, which aims to recreate the Great Exhibition of 1851 by displaying pieces belonging to Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.
The event also aims to inspire a new generation of watch enthusiasts with a family day on 7 June where children will be able to take part in treasure hunts and workshops in the Interactive room and see some of Patek Philippe’s world class watchmakers at work. The British School of Watchmaking will also be on hand for an Education Day on 31 May, revealing some of the techniques behind the craft of watchmaking and explaining the intricacies involved in creating a fine timepiece.
“We are bringing so many historical timepieces to the exhibition that visitors will be able to learn about horology generally, the history of watchmaking and about this fascinating industry,” said Mark Hearn, managing director of Patek Philippe UK. “As a family independent company it was natural to plan a family day where members can spend time together and enjoy visiting this fantastic event.”
The Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition runs from 27 May – 7 June 2015 at the Saatchi Gallery, London, visit patek.com.