Patek Philippe Museum - Geneva

[KarlS]

I was under the misperceptions that the museum was a special history to PP themselves, but was completely mistaken! Covering 3 floors it's dedicated to horology as a whole. One floor shows the various benches, engraving machines, chain making etc of a typical workshop and has a resident watch maker that you can observe through glass. He is only present during the week.

The next floor has a collection of over 1000 pieces from the earliest watches, automoters and ink chronographs. It was fascinating to see that the first chronograph actually dropped ink on the dial that you would then read off and clean. I thoroughly enjoyed the automations in particular a tiny hummingbird that fully moved wings, neck and beak and couldn't have been bigger than 2cm. To think that level of craftsmanship was available in those times wis mind boggling.

We then have a floor dedicated to PP. That includes all the enamel watches and clocks and the journey of their different models and relationship with Tiffany and Gondola. In excess of a 1000 watches.

There is also the library and an auditorium.

[KarlS]

I was fortunate to have had arranged by PP a private tour of the facility by a guide. My advice is don't even try do this alone. The collection is staggering and just overwhelming. I found the guide I could contain into a time period and just get the key important steps covered and events.
The saddest part is that no cameras are allowed and it would have been great to have captured some memories but all has to be left at front desk. That includes bags etc. this was the downside but you do get a photo of me outside by the lovely guide,

[KarlS]

Remember to check timings as it's only open at 14:00 in the afternoons. Even if you scant get a private tour I do recommend that you book as part of a group it's well worth it

[texex91]

More of Geneva...less of Karl pls

Have fun.

[martinr]

Next stop Voutilainen workshop?

[JapRs]

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by texex91

Pic thread of Karl.

More of Geneva...less of Karl pls

Ha ha ...having some serious attaching issues. That's meant to be the Salon!!

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by martinr

Next stop Voutilainen workshop?

Thursday

[KarlS]

Oh crumpets 3 of the same picture...I am giving up and going for a drink!!

[cervantes]

Looks exciting. Enjoy.

[goog53]

Karl, Give us a few pics of the 5524. Can never get enough of that damn thing!

[jon_jon]

Glad to hear you were able to benefit from a guided tour

I remember the first time I visited the museum, it was almost an overwhelming experience trying to take in all the important developments and timepieces in their long history. However I think it is a rite of passage for all Patek enthusiasts to make a "pilgrimage" to the Patek Museum.