SHE CAN HAVE IT ALL
Leanne Mirandilla Patek Philippe’s new Twenty-4 Automatic is the latest in a long line of innovative women’s watches developed by the heritage brand, writes
Twenty years after the debut of its Twenty-4 manchette women’s watch, Patek Philippe unveiled the new Twenty-4 Automatic, the first iteration in the collection to feature a self-winding mechanical movement. Unlike the earlier Twenty-4 watches, the Automatic features a round rather than rectangular case rimmed with diamonds. Available in stainless steel or rose gold, it also offers dials in various colours.
The Twenty-4 Automatic adds another chapter to the brand’s long history of creating impressive women’s watches since its founding in 1839, exquisite timepieces that have found their way into the collections of aristocrats and monarchs. Queen Victoria purchased a blue enamel model in 1851, while a Hungarian countess had a watch specially crafted for her in 1868.
The brand achieved such patronage because of its dedication to innovation and the close attention it paid to meeting the demands of its evolving clientele. During its first centenary, Patek Philippe won acclaim from sophisticated women for its extravagant pocket and pendant watches. It also introduced more technically complicated pieces for women, such as precious minute repeaters and, in 1916, a women’s watch with a five-minute repeater.
Patek Philippe evolved with the times throughout the 20th century. It was to meet the demands of an increasingly busy, energetic generation that it developed the original Twenty-4, a watch that could take the wearer seamlessly from day to night, hence the name. Anticipating growing interest in timepieces among women, the manufacture also added more complications to its ladies watches, including a moon phase, annual calendar and a minute repeater. Never skimping on style, Patek Philippe also released high jewellery versions of its watches as well as feminine interpretations of classic pieces.
In Patek Philippe’s new Twenty-4 Automatic collection, we see the brand’s ladies range evolve with the times. Each piece perfectly complements the modern woman’s dynamic lifestyle, blending effortlessly with every item in her wardrobe and serving her needs throughout the entire day. The Twenty-4 Automatic is clearly deserving of its place among today’s tastemakers.