Watch People Watching

News • 06 Oct 2019

Watch People Watching


Leaning In

So here we are, one week into the two-week-long 2019 Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition. We’ve walked the themed rooms, caught up with old friends, new friends and even made some friends. We attended Dr Peter Friess’ lecture on the evolution of the watch, watched a micro-artist paint a dial, sat under 11,500 paper flowers (of 100 different colours) dropped in on a family day watchmaking class for youngsters and taken a ‘few’ wrist shots.

For those new to watches, a visit to the Watch Art Grand Exhibition will reveal that the watch industry is in many ways all about people. Namely, the artisans who design, assemble and finish the mechanical marvels we wear on our wrist. The enamelers, the historians and the countless people behind the scenes who help preserve and promote the centuries-old techniques at the heart of traditional watchmaking.

For these artisans, nothing beats the sight of an enthusiast appreciating their work. It is this interaction between artisans, seasoned collectors and curious newcomers that make Patek Philippe’s Watch Art Grand Exhibitions so enjoyable. With this in mind and with some inspiration from photographers Stefan Draschan’s ‘People Matching Art’ and Elliott Erwitt’s ‘The Art of Looking at Art’, we did some watch people watching. Photos below.

Installations within the Singapore Room.

The Singapore Room pays tribute to the vibrant flora and fauna of the region.

An array of Patek Philippe watches from the current collection.

The Museum Room traces the evolution of watches, from drum watches to perpetual calendar wristwatches.

Calibre 89 Prototype in the Museum Room.

Rarely seen historical documents from the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Rare Handcrafts Room features immersive illuminated displays.

Legendary enamelist Anita Porchet giving a presentation on the art of enamelling.

The talent (let alone the patience) to complete each piece is astounding.

Comparing movements in the aptly named Movements Room.

360 degree view of modern Patek Philippe movements.

Assembling a watch movement in virtual reality.

Hands on demonstration of watch mechanics with Philip Barat, Director of Development at Patek Philippe.

The 2019 Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition ends on the 13th of October. Free and open to the public, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore traditional watchmaking in the heart of Singapore at Marina Bay Sands. For more information click here.

Tags: 2019 watch art grand exhibition patek philippe


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