The Saatchi Gallery recently hosted the Patek Philippe Grand exhibition. On display until the 7th June 2015, this was a fantastic opportunity to not only learn more about the history of this luxury watch brand, but to also see the most recent models and the rare 175th anniversary watch, and to engage with their brilliant and specialised watchmakers. I found the whole exhibit incredibly informative and fascinating. The Grandmaster chime (see below) was certainly worth the wait to see. This masterpiece was created in order to celebrate the brand's 175th anniversary. It is set in 18ct rose gold, intricately engraved and boasts twenty complications and functions. There were exquisite examples of their rare handcrafts, a method of decorating pocket watches, wristwatches and mantle clocks. The method of guilding, engraving and gem setting seem to have been lost over the years with many other brands, but not with Patek Philippe. These ancestral skills are still practised by the company today with a fine collection dating from 1800 on display.

It was also very interesting to see the very first Patek Philippe wristwatch (see below) exhibited. This was sold to the Countess Koscowicz of Hungary in 1876 and is heavily ornate with watch face itself concealed by diamond set panels, appearing more like a piece of jewellery rather than a watch. At this time, wristwatches were still worn by women, whilst men would use a pocket watch.

Perhaps the favourite part of my day was being able to see the various time pieces Patek Philippe made for royalty. These two beautiful pendant watches (see below) were purchased for Queen Victoria in 1851.

Also on display was this magnificent cage with singing birds and watch mechanism. The five birds incorporated into this piece sing every hour on the hour. This singing birdcage (see below) is one of the most complicated ever pieces designed and it belonged to the Ottoman Imperial family.

It was not only antique pieces on display. Whole galleries were dedicated to the latest models and complications. There is even an interactive room where you can see the mechanisms up close and an impressive Artisans room, where Patek Philippe’s incredibly skilled engravers, gem setters and watchmakers displayed their various disciplines and were only too happy to answer any questions.

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