A limited series with an exclusive new movement in tribute to Philippe Stern.
On the occasion of Mr. Philippe Stern’s 85th birthday (born in 1938), Thierry Stern has chosen to pay tribute to his father by creating a special series featuring a brand-new movement developed exclusively for this timepiece, which will never be reused. Patek Philippe thus honors Mr. Philippe Stern’s exceptional career dedicated to reviving fine watchmaking.
Based on the R 27 caliber, the new self-winding R AL 27 PS caliber combines a minute repeater (Mr. Philippe Stern’s favorite complication) with an alarm chiming the programmed time on the same two classic gongs. The combination of these two functions represented a real technical challenge, requiring the addition of 227 components and the filing of four new patents. The finishing of this exclusive movement is particularly meticulous. The edges of the bridges and hammers are gilded. The yellow gold mini-rotor is rhodium-plated with yellow gold edges and adorned with a black lacquered hand-engraving reproducing Mr. Philippe Stern’s signature.
Just as with all Patek Philippe complicated watches, the emphasis is on user-friendliness. The crown-integrated pusher is used to select the chiming mode, which is displayed in the small bell-shaped aperture at 3 o’clock. The 12-hour programmable alarm time is set from quarter-hour to quarter-hour by means of a central rose-gold hand pointing to the powdered rose-gilt scale on the periphery of the dial.
The Grand Feu black enamel dial features a portrait of Mr. Philippe Stern in Grand Feu white and gray miniature painting on enamel. Time is marked off by applied numerals and Breguet-type hands in white gold.
The entirely polished platinum Officer’s-style case set with a diamond at 6 o’clock is fitted with straight lugs and screwed-in strap bars. Its sapphire crystal case-back is protected by a hinged dust cover hand-engraved with the inscription “À mon père, 85 ans de passion horlogère” (“To my father, 85 years of watchmaking passion”).
The watch is fitted with a shiny black alligator leather strap with platinum fold-over clasp.
DIAL
Grand Feu black enamel, portrait of Mr. Philippe Stern in Grand Feu white and gray miniature painting on enamel, white gold applied Breguet numerals. 18K gold dial plate. White gold Breguet hands. Rose gold Breguet alarm hour hand.
CASE
Platinum. Diameter: 41 mm. Height: 14.2 mm. Humidity- and dust-protected only (not water-resistant). Sapphire crystal case back protected by a hinged dust cover hand-engraved with “À mon père, 85 ans de passion horlogère”.
STRAP
Alligator leather with square scales, hand-stitched, shiny black. Platinum fold-over clasp.
MOVEMENT
Caliber R AL 27 PS. Self-winding. Minute repeater with two classic gongs. 12-hour alarm. Chiming mode indication in aperture. Small seconds. Diameter: 30 mm. Thickness: 8.23 mm. Number of parts: 561. Winding rotor: Rhodium-plated 22K gold off-center minirotor with yellow gold edges, hand-engraved with Mr. Philippe Stern’s signature. Frequency: 21,600 semi-oscillations/hour (3 Hz). Power reserve: min. 43 hours – max. 48 hours.
Discover more about Patek Philippe collection online or visit our Patek Philippe boutique in Republic Street, Valletta, where one of our sales associates will be able to assist and guide you through the Patek Philippe collection.