Patek Philippe’s new booth at BaselWorld 2014. According to the brand, more than two years of architectural and engineering works were required to create this structure. Photo: © Patek Philippe
Fans of Patek Philippe visiting the annual BaselWorld watch fair in 2014 in late March will be welcomed by the brand’s new booth, a luminous glass pavilion designed by architectural firm Ottavio Di Blasi & Partners from Milan.
While the ground area has expanded 9.5% to 630 square metres, the total floor area occupied by Patek Philippe has increased by 57%; from 955 square metres in 2013 to 1,500 square metres in 2014 as the pavilion takes up three levels.
A total of 125 tons of steel will be used for the structure which will hold 117 glass elements weighing 70 tons and covering 600 square metres of surface area.
The central structure inside the glass pavilion has 400 square metres of backlit Corian (a surface material made by DuPont) and it will be illuminated by 5km of LED lights. Hence, the luminous glass pavilion.
More importantly for fans of the brand will be the showcases where 198 timepieces from Patek Philippe’s collections will be on public display. It will include the new 2014 timepieces and 50 different calibres.
The year 2014 marks the 175th anniversary of Patek Philippe’s founding (1839 to 2014). Patek Philippe was founded by Antoine Norbert de Patek and this well-recognised global brand name came to be with Jean-Adrien Philippe joining in 1845.
From what we understand, the focus at BaselWorld will solely be on the brand’s 2014 novelties. The 175th commemorative anniversary timepieces, which are well-kept secrets, will only be revealed later during the year.
The previous structure used by Patek Philippe at BaselWorld had served the brand well, having been in use since 1999, or a good 15 years.
Patek Philippe’s booth has always been a BaselWorld highlight and a walk around the booth to view its fascinating exhibits is a tradition that began on our first visit to the annual watch fair back in the early 2000s.
Patek Philippe has been a part of the annual BaselWorld watch fair for 83 years, having first participated in 1931.
Other Patek Philippe articles on timewerke.com that may be of interest:
i. Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph Ref. 5990/1A: the push for more
ii. Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5960/1A: A few firsts
iii. Patek Philippe Ref. 3417 Amagnetic: in demand, present “tense”