iW Magazine Fall 2018 | Page 84

Rare Handcrafts in Geneva Patek Philippe’s Golden Ellipse commemorative edition with hand-engraved and black enameled gold dial, platinum case and crown set with an onyx. Golden Ellipse solid case back engraved. PATRICK CREMERS, DIRECTOR OF THE PATEK PHILIPPE SALON IN GENEVA, DISCUSSES HIS ROLE AT THE FAMED BOUTIQUE AND HOW PATEK PHILIPPE DEVELOPS ITS RARE HANDCRAFTS. WE SPOKE WITH HIM DURING A THREE- DAY EXHIBITION OF FIFTY RARE HANDCRAFTS PIECES AT THE SALON IN APRIL. Can you tell us how Patek Philippe combines its Rare Handcrafts with its complications? We have started this already in the grand complications collection. For instance, the ref. 5370 is a chronograph split second that has a beautiful black enamel dial with Breguet numerals applied. We have the ref. 5374, a minute repeater with perpetual calendar. This also has a beautiful black enamel dial. Starting with this type of complication that already has an enamel dial, we thought we could go a little bit further. So, with a minute repeater or with a tourbillon we will give a priority to creating a beautiful dial. There are three grand complica- tions, ref 5538, each with different scenes of eagles flying. These are made with cloisonné enamel—and are gorgeous. These were requests from customers. 84 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | FALL 2018 iWMAGAZINE .COM