The Watch Appreciation Thread - Part two (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger LeCoultre,

[no frills]

Who went to the Patek exhibition in NYC? Holy ****. Awesome experience and incredible showing of good will (and marketing prowess). Tried to take some photos, but they are all terrible. Must hand it to Patek. No other maker could pull off such an event with this level of credibility and success--not even Rolex (mainly due to shorter history and narrower focus).

Yup. And it is a testament to Patek that any photo you try to take - unless you bring professional gear and you have the timepieces outside their super secure glass cases - will suck compared to having seen the real thing. A testament to truly admirable works of art and craftsmanship - no photo can do it justice. You gotta see the real thing.

 

[Belligero]

Took the Sea-Dweller in for a real good cleaning recently. Thought I'd share this photo from it:

image credit: horologer

 

[TheFoo]

Quite a rare view. Highlights how massive the case and crystal are, which is usually disguised quite well by the bezel.

 

[TheFoo]

Yup. And it is a testament to Patek that any photo you try to take - unless you bring professional gear and you have the timepieces outside their super secure glass cases - will suck compared to having seen the real thing. A testament to truly admirable works of art and craftsmanship - no photo can do it justice. You gotta see the real thing.

The watches were obviously gorgeous, but what surprised me most was the service and hospitality--at a free event nonetheless! There were always staff available to answer questions about the watches or help with directions. Someone always seemed to appear out of nowhere to help get our stroller over any stairs. The watchmakers and craftsmen present were all very happy to geek out. One guy spent 20 minutes with me discussing the merits of the 324 vs. 240 vs. 215 base movment. Lots of little, free concessions for kids: ice cream, balloons, even a plastic build-it-yourself table clock with all the gears, levers, etc.

Absolute first-class service--and the vast majority of the people attending will never buy a Patek. Other businesses could learn or thing or two.

 

[no frills]

The watches were obviously gorgeous, but what surprised me most was the service and hospitality--at a free event nonetheless! There were always staff available to answer questions about the watches or help with directions. Someone always seemed to appear out of nowhere to help get our stroller over any stairs. The watchmakers and craftsmen present were all very happy to geek out. One guy spent 20 minutes with me discussing the merits of the 324 vs. 240 vs. 215 base movment. Lots of little, free concessions for kids: ice cream, balloons, even a plastic build-it-yourself table clock with all the gears, levers, etc.

Absolute first-class service--and the vast majority of the people attending will never buy a Patek. Other businesses could learn or thing or two.

Ah did you visit last Saturday for Family Day? That is super. Hope the kids enjoyed!

 

[tigerpac]

It was a really nice event (sans one of the cocktail parties where there was barely anything to drink... could have been cipriani's fault on that, who knows)

I thought they did a great job with the displays. Excellent job displaying their message. And totally agree that other businesses could learn a few things!

As to the finishing discussion, I'll abide by Dufour's conclusions.

 

[Belligero]

Quite a rare view. Highlights how massive the case and crystal are, which is usually disguised quite well by the bezel.

Yeah, the raised crystal is one of my favourite things about the watch. The difference between the Submariner's is noticeable:

 

[Texasmade]

The watches were obviously gorgeous, but what surprised me most was the service and hospitality--at a free event nonetheless! There were always staff available to answer questions about the watches or help with directions. Someone always seemed to appear out of nowhere to help get our stroller over any stairs. The watchmakers and craftsmen present were all very happy to geek out. One guy spent 20 minutes with me discussing the merits of the 324 vs. 240 vs. 215 base movment. Lots of little, free concessions for kids: ice cream, balloons, even a plastic build-it-yourself table clock with all the gears, levers, etc.

Absolute first-class service--and the vast majority of the people attending will never buy a Patek. Other businesses could learn or thing or two.

When was there ice cream? When I went all I got was bottled water while waiting in line. I told my friend to not open the bottle because it would be a collector's item one day since it had Patek branding on it.

 

[no frills]

Yeah, the raised crystal is one of my favourite things about the watch. The difference between the Submariner's is noticeable:

Great comparison pics as always Belli. I took measurements for the SubC ND (flush crystal), SD4000 (raised crystal - like Daytona) and the DSSD (domed crystal) a few years back and in terms of thickness (12.5mm versus 15mm versus 17.5mm) and little differences in how the crystal was fashioned - it's amazing how the look and feel differ across all three offerings.

Game of millimeters and details.

 

[Dino944]

If that history holds, another will be coming then, given the 116500s are selling for at least 3-4k over list.

Anything is possible. But its is also important to keep in mind.

Took the Sea-Dweller in for a real good cleaning recently. Thought I'd share this photo from it:

image credit: horologer

As Foo mentioned, that is definitely a rare view. Its hard to appreciate how massive and over engineered the case and crystal are until you see a photo like that. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Keith T]

Comes in real handy when Belli is 4000 ft. below

 

[clee1982]

Yup. And it is a testament to Patek that any photo you try to take - unless you bring professional gear and you have the timepieces outside their super secure glass cases - will suck compared to having seen the real thing. A testament to truly admirable works of art and craftsmanship - no photo can do it justice. You gotta see the real thing.

Well now you guys make me regret not skipping work...

 

[usctrojans31]

The best "kid-friendly" marketing I saw at Patek was the Patek temporary watch tattoos. Hook 'em young and get them used to wearing and wanting a Patek.

 

[concealed]

New acquisition

 

[XKxRome0ox]

The new Daytona in a more casual environment