By Michelle Zhang (Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2006-12-01 10:42

The front of the watch contains time and solar indicators, while the back contains celestial and lunar indicators, displaying the position of the stars, the path and phases of the moon, and other celestial information. According to Stern, this single watch is worth about 3.6 million Swiss francs (US$2.98 million).

Another breathtaking piece at the exhibition is Patek Philippe's most complicated wristwatch, the Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 5002. First released in 2001, it is the first double-faced wristwatch to feature a complete presentation of the nocturnal sky on its reverse side, portraying the intricacies of the celestial bodies with unprecedented accuracy.

Among the other luminaries are 67 items from the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, each carefully selected by Philippe Stern, president of Patek Philippe, making their first trip from Switzerland to China.

A selection of 41 Patek Philippe antique timepieces will be on display, including the first wristwatch made by the 167-year-old company; the first Patek Philippe wristwatch to incorporate a perpetual calendar and a World Time Ref. 1415, which has the names of 41 countries and regions engraved around its dial.

The other 26 rare antique timepieces were made during the late 18th and early 19th century by watchmakers in Geneva and London especially for the Chinese market. The Chinese emperor at that time was fascinated by Western timepieces, and the two cities' great watchmakers threw themselves into researching Chinese tastes, speculating about the Chinese psyche, and making timepieces that fit the needs of the Chinese market.

The results were enameled pocket watches with natural pearl inlays, and ornately carved cases decorated with distinctive Chinese patterns and designs, such as traditional Chinese temples, peonies, peaches symbolizing long life, and butterflies that represent true and lasting love in traditional Chinese love stories.

The complete Patek Philippe product line, comprising more than 170 watches, will also be on display. The company has hired 15 guards to protect these invaluable treasures.

"It's not enough just to tell people that Patek Philippe is a wonderful brand, you also have to prove it," Stern says. "The best way to prove it is to come here, and present to the public all our watches, to tell them who we are and what we are aiming for."

Patek Philippe timepiece exhibition
Date: through December 3, 10am to 10pm
Tel: 021-63296846
Venue: 4/F, Bund 18, 18 Zhongshan Road E1

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