Two Decades of the Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ladies Watch

Specialist Picks • 14 Jul 2021

Two Decades of the Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ladies Watch


Earlier this year, Patek Philippe introduced a range of new Twenty~4 watches, in new dial / case combinations. For more than two decades, the timeless, feminine elegance of the Twenty~4 ladies collection has catered to the active, modern women. We decided to take a closer look at this enduring icon from the Geneva-based manufacture.

Let’s start with the original design, the “manchette” or cuff-style quartz model. First introduced in steel in 1999, the latest interpretation unveiled in 2021 features Arabic hour markers and has a warm chocolate-coloured dial on a rose gold bracelet.

 

1999 – The Birth of an Icon

In 1999, Patek Philippe launched its first collection dedicated exclusively to women. The aim was to meet the demands of independent active women who sought a timepiece to adapt to their lifestyle. A watch of timeless elegance that would be at home in the boardroom, the home or anywhere in between. It would be her ally on every occasion, uniting contemporary design, technical excellence and impeccable craftsmanship.

Left: Archive picture of Patek Philippe Exhibition at The Hour Glass Scotts, Singapore in August 1999. Right: Patek Philippe advertising from 2010.

Art Deco Inspired ‘Manchette’ Case

Conceived, as its name suggested, for every hour of the day and night, at work, at home and during leisure activities, the Twenty~4 stood out by its original art-deco-inspired “manchette” or cuff design, featuring a cambered rectangular case that followed the contours of a woman’s wrist and a metallic bracelet that felt exceptionally smooth and comfortable.

Further Reading: Patek Philippe has a long history of making impeccable watches for women. We recently penned an article titled ‘The Queen’s Watchmaker: Patek Philippe’s 19th Century Women’s Watches

 

2020 – Versatility of Stainless Steel

In 2020, Patek Philippe continued the renewal of its Twenty~4 collection by reinterpreting the original model, the medium-size (25.1 x 30 mm) quartz “manchette” watch in steel.

The manufacture issued two new versions in which the Roman numerals gave way to the white-gold applied Arabic numerals 12 and 6. The diamond hour markers have been replaced by applied trapeze-shaped hour markers, also in white gold and are luminescent-coated. This new face constitutes the first major change to the original Twenty~4 of 1999 – and an aesthetic evolution in step with the design of the Twenty~4 Automatic.

The two new references feature a dial decorated with a blue sunburst (4910/1200A-001) or with a gray sunburst enriched by a gradation to black at the periphery (4910/1200A-010). Their white-gold applied numerals and hour markers and white-gold baton-style hands all have a luminous coating ensuring excellent legibility in the dark. The fine grooved rays of the sunburst emanating from the center of the dial play with the light, lending a refined but dynamic touch.

Enquire about the Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1200A-001

 

Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1200A-010
Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1200A-010

 

The distinctive shape of the two-tier rectangular case is underlined by two rows of 18 Top Wesselton Pure diamonds (approx. 0.42 ct) set with textbook precision.

A Calatrava Cross, emblem of the Patek Philippe manufacture, embellishes the crown. The supple, comfortable bracelet, fitted with a fold-over clasp, is a jewel in its own right. Each component is manually finished and fully polished. The Patek Philippe caliber E15 quartz movement is made with the same devotion to fine workmanship as the manufacture’s mechanical movements.

Further Reading: Discover the Patek Philippe Seal

 

Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1200A-010
Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1200A-010

Enquire about the Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1200A-010

 

2021 – Sumptuous Rose Gold & Chocolate-Brown Dial

In February 2021 Patek Philippe introduced the Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1201R-001 with an 18K rose gold case and a chocolate-brown sunburst dial – a warm-toned, refined combination. Two vertical rows of seventeen Top Wesselton Pure diamonds (total: 34 diamonds, ~0.57 ct) set with textbook precision highlight the distinctive two-tier shape of the case.

 

Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1201R-001
Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1201R-001

 

The clean layout of the dial gives centre stage to its rose gold applied Arabic numerals, hour-markers and baton-style hands. This reference was designed with practicality in mind and has plenty of luminescent coating. A Calatrava cross, emblem of the manufacture, decorates the crown. The rose gold bracelet with fold-over clasp is a jewel in its own right. Fully hand-polished, it feels smooth and cossetting on the wrist.

 

Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1201R-001
Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1201R-001. Credit: Patek Philippe

 

The mechanical components of the Patek Philippe caliber E15 quartz movement are crafted with the same devotion to fine workmanship as those of the mechanical movements. The new Twenty~4 “manchette” Ref. 4910/1201R-001 joins the models in steel with a blue sunburst dial (4910/1200A-001) or a gray sunburst dial (4910/1200A- 010).

Enquire about the Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1201R-001

We have enjoyed reviewing the iconic Twenty~4 from Patek Philippe. Stay tuned as we will be covering more of the collection in the weeks to come.

Unless otherwise stated, images are copyrighted to The Hour Glass. 

Tags: ladies watches patek philippe twenty~4


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