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Patek Philippe Museum | |
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Less than a century and a half ago, in this neighbourhood which is today both bright and animated, the streets perpendicular to the Avenue du Mail were but local paths. Following the Exposition Nationale of 1896, numerous buildings were erected, entirely modifying the area within just 20 years. The building which today houses the Patek Philippe Museum has a long and interesting history dedicated to watchmaking and its related crafts. Most probably designed by the talented architect Mr William Henssler in 1919, it has witnessed gem-cutting under the name Heller & Son, the production of jewellery by the firms Ponti Gennari and Piaget, and the manufacture of watch-cases and bracelets since 1975 by Les Ateliers Reunis for Patek Philippe. |
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Finally, this landmark of craftsmanship underwent an entire remodelling and extension in 1999 to enable it to receive an outstanding collection of the finest examples of timepieces known today. The Patek Philippe Museum is certainly the most logical and faithful conclusion to a true legacy of genius. The visit begins on the lower level, and continues on the third, second and first floors. This chronological spiral through time illustrates the evolution of man's mastery of time-keeping through both the aesthetic and technical features of horology. The introduction to the Patek Philippe Museum's exhibition is made via a handsome collection of over 400 tools and antique workbenches used in watchmaking and all its related crafts. A master-watchmaker works before your eyes in a reconstruction of an antique workshop. An anthology of over 1'000 important timepieces which recount the life of a watchmaking firm that has become a key figure in the Genevese watchmaking industry, thanks to its success in reconciling modern technology with centuries old skill and expertise. Selected technical demonstrations of the evolution of the escapement mechanism between the 17th and 20th century are available for study. The collection comprises significant timepieces from the 16th to the early 19th century, as well as luxury or fantasy watches and objects of vertu incorporating automata, musical automata and singing birds, typical of the Genevese production around 1800. In addition, a gallery of Portrait Miniatures on enamel relates the development of this art from its origins around 1630.
An exhibition of Patek Philippe's history and precious heritage as related through our archives. | |