A Classical Craft

During the inauguration of the Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition in Singapore just a short while ago, the brand presented the world première of the new Ref. 5303R-010 Minute Repeater Tourbillon. Besides the impressive mechanisms contained in the watch, it is also notable for being the first time that a Patek Philippe watch had an open architecture that showcased its inner workings—in this case the minute repeater and tourbillon. Indeed, the brand follows a very traditional approach to mechanical watchmaking, where even the most impressive complications aren’t shown unless they had to. It is certainly a relatively uncommon practice these days.

Fortunately, during the exhibition, DAMAN had the opportunity to chat with Philip Barat, Head of Watch Development at Patek Philippe, who provided new insight into the way the brand conceptualizes and creates