Patek Philippe Unveils a Special Model Dedicated to Philippe Stern
Patek Philippe, the world's finest manufacturer, has released a truly unique timepiece in commemoration of the 85th birthday of the company's honorary president.
The model number 1938 commemorates the birth year of Philippe Stern, who became the third-generation president of the Stern family in 1993 and currently serves as honorary chairman. His son Thierry pays homage to his father's achievements and passion by equipping this model with a new movement that will "never be used again." In addition to the minute repeater, a complication that Stern loved, Patek Philippe also incorporated a chime alarm mechanism to notify wearers of a pre-selected time.
The platinum officer-type case and 18K gold dial, featuring a portrait of Philippe Stern in white and gray cloisonné miniature on a genuine black cloisonné background, also give off a special shine.
This also reflects the rare handcraft techniques that the honorary chairman has carefully preserved. The elegance of the white gold Breguet numerals and hour and minute hands, which highlight the rose gold alarm pointer and scale, is a sight to behold.
The 41mm diameter, fully hand-polished platinum case also recalls one of Philippe Stern's most important works. In 1989, on the occasion of the manufacturer's 150th anniversary, Mr. Stern introduced the officer-style Limited Edition 3960 model, with straight lugs and screw-in bars, reminiscent of the earliest wristwatches of the early 20th century. Platinum was chosen because it is one of the rarest precious metals, and because of its acoustics, this metal was chosen to create the "sound unique to Patek Philippe" that's loved by connoisseurs.
Like all platinum Patek Philippe timepieces, the 1938P model features a diamond set on the side of the case at 6 o'clock. The case has a sapphire crystal back, and a hinged dust cover protects it with the inscription "À mon père, 85 ans de passion horlogère" which translates to "dedicated to my father and his 85 years of passion for watchmaking."
Through the sapphire crystal back, we can see the fine finishing of the new automatic movement, as well as the beveled and gilded bridges and hammers and black lacquered engravings that reproduce Philippe Stern's signature. There's also the 22K yellow gold eccentric micro-rotor with a rhodium-plated finish and yellow gold rim. Additionally, the brilliant black alligator band and platinum folding buckle further enhance its elegance and comfort.
From:Â Esquire JP
