Patek Philippe’s jewellery for the wrist
There is no reason to reach for sparkly baubles when the luxury watch brand’s timepieces are the ultimate accessory
STEALTH LUXURY IS THE STYLE of the moment. For women who eschew the spectacle of ostentatious jewellery, you can’t go wrong with a Patek Philippe watch – the epitome of wealth on a wrist. This symbol of minimalist extravagance exudes elegance and class; here are three fine samples from the acclaimed brand’s latest collections.
Golden Ellipse Ref 5738/1R-001
Created over half a century ago for men, the Golden Ellipse’s ultra-slim body and uber-stylish case make it look equally elegant on a lady’s wrist today.
A tiny black onyx subtly lends a jewelled touch to the new Golden Ellipse, but is largely outshone by its winding crown function. Yet the overall purpose of its presence is not lost, which is to blend harmoniously with the sunburst ebony dial.
And harmony is at the very core of the Golden Ellipse’s design, which features a case shaped like a cross between a circle and a rectangle, crafted to perfect proportions that recall the ancient “golden ratio” definition of beauty.
The watch, powered by a self-winding movement, may lack the sparkle of one paved with diamonds and sapphires, but it has the shine of pure gold. Save for the dial, the new Golden Ellipse, including its bracelet, is fully wrapped in 18k rose gold.
The bracelet, in particular, is no ordinary wristlet. It has taken 15 years to develop this classic chain bracelet. Hand-polished throughout and distinguished by a modern, patented construction, it comprises 363 parts, including more than 300 links assembled one by one by hand – a delicate task that perhaps only a gem-setter can appreciate.
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Price: S$87,000
Aquanaut Luce Haute Joaillerie Ref 5268/461G
Patek Philippe is arguably as skilful in gem-setting as it is in watchmaking. Just take a look at this dazzling timepiece – the latest Aquanaut model. The white gold watch is wrapped in 72 baguette-cut blue sapphires (5.29 carats), 38 baguette-cut diamonds (2.03 carats), and 160 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Displaying the mastery needed for highly refined invisible- and snow-setting techniques – first used for an Aquanaut Luxe watch in 2017 – the centre of the new watch’s dial is decorated with baguette-cut diamonds and blue sapphires to form a checkerboard motif that is reminiscent of the Aquanaut’s emblematic pattern. The chapter ring alternates between baguette-cut blue sapphire hour markers and snow-set brilliant-cut diamonds.
The octagonal bezel that defines the shape of the Aquanaut is lit up by a row of baguette-cut sapphires set in a subtle incline, running from soft to dark blue. Even the lugs sparkle discreetly with a set of baguette-cut diamonds.
The new Aquanaut Luce Haute Joaillerie, which runs on a self-winding movement, is paired with a new dark blue integrated composite strap, made cushy by a patented white gold fold-over clasp set with baguette-cut diamonds.
Price: S$341,300
Twenty-4 Ref 4910/1201R
First launched in 1999, this cuff-style timepiece with a highly refined dial is the first women’s watch in Patek Philippe’s collection. In celebration of the Twenty-4’s 25th anniversary this year, the model boasts a new purple dial that has taken plenty of time and effort to create.
In crafting the new dial, the plate is first embossed with concentric wave patterns before dozens of layers of translucent purple lacquer are laid over it, followed by transparent lacquer which, once polished, allows subtle plays on light for a beautiful depth effect.
The original shape of the rectangular two-tier case is highlighted by two rows of 17 brilliant diamonds (0.63 carat), set on either side of the dial.
The new Twenty-4 comes in full rose gold, including the bracelet, and is powered by a quartz movement.
Price: S$68,900
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