A Contemporary Classic

Patek Philippe launches the new Twenty-4 Automatic, a collection of artistically crafted ladies watches that blends tradition and innovation, writes Mia Borromeo

Creating a quiet buzz within women’s luxury watch circles, Patek Philippe unveiled the Twenty-4 Automatic last October at Milan’s Palazzo Serbelloni. As the name suggests, the new ladies collection was designed to complement the stylish, active, modern woman round the clock, 24/7. Poised to become a contemporary classic, the Twenty-4 Automatic’s exclusive launch was set amid an artsy garden-like setting, peppered with creative installations that featured iconic ladies’ timepieces by Patek Philippe from as far back as the 1850s. The esteemed Swiss watchmaker has a long history of creating exquisite watches that marry technological mastery with meticulous artistry. The evening’s vignettes showcased the brand’s unique haute horlogerie heritage and the evolution of ladies timepieces over nearly two centuries. Before the official unveiling, Thierry Stern, Patek Philippe’s president, took to the stage to personally introduce the Twenty-4 Automatic to the international press. He described how

it took the manufacture about five years of painstaking research and development and over 40 prototypes before creating this masterfully crafted timepiece that is equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement. Prior to this, Patek Philippe’s Twenty-4 collection was radically different. Not only was it powered only by quartz movements, it sported a different case shape. The Twenty-4 featured a small rectangular case, which was seamlessly integrated into a bracelet. The commercially successful steel version was touted to be Patek’s most basic and entry-level watch model in its stable. The Twenty-4 Automatic will, no doubt, appeal to today’s female watch enthusiasts: a growing breed of discerning women who, while immersed in a world of new-generation technology, holds a deep respect for the traditional art of watchmaking. The increasing global interest for women’s mechanical timepieces provided the impetus behind the brand’s decision to launch the Twenty-4 Automatic collection.

REFINED NEW COLLECTION

While the new Twenty-4 Automatic retains the effortless elegance of the marque’s signature Twenty-4, what immediately sets it apart is the sleek new silhouette defined by a 36mm-wide round case. Incorporating the calibre 324 S C self-winding movement, Patek Philippe’s Twenty-4 Automatic collection comes in either stainless steel or rose gold. The elegant manchette-type bracelet has cambered central links delicately framed by double-tiered links. It features a range of dials in different colours, decorated with intricate details. The most elaborate one has to be the silvery face with finissage (finishing in French) that recalls the delicate pattern of precious Shantung silk. Every dial is accentuated with applied Arabic numerals and luminous baton-style hands. A decorative dentelle (lacework in French) setting on the bezel enhances the radiance of two rows of diamonds that exquisitely frame the watch face. The Twenty-4 Automatic’s contemporary finesse pairs well with all wardrobes, from casual outdoor daywear to glamorous evening gowns. A versatile companion for women who lead eclectic lives, Patek Philippe’s artistically crafted new masterpiece paves the way for a new tradition.

The Twenty-4 Automatic’s contemporary finesse makes it a versatile companion for women who lead eclectic lives

TIMELESS CREATION Patek Philippe’s campaign for the Twenty-4 Automatic exudes contemporary elegance, a fitting concept to appeal to the modern-day woman. Opposite: The Twenty-4 Automatic is marketed as a dailywear timepiece, which is why it is designed to look sporty and clean

The Twenty-4 Automatic’s calibre 324 S C is a reliable workhorse movement fitted with the patented Gyromax balance and Spiromax hairspring in Silinvar