If you don't see it now, you'll be missing out! Patek Philippe's "Watch Art Grand Exhibition Tokyo 2023" is almost over!

As part of its cultural activities to convey the techniques and artistry of traditional watchmaking, Patek Philippe is hosting the "Watch Art Grand Exhibition." This event, currently being held in Shinjuku, Tokyo, boasts the largest exhibition space ever, bringing together rare timepieces. We bring you the latest report on the highlights.

Five things to keep in mind at the largest-ever Watch Art Grand Exhibition

　The "Watch Art Grand Exhibition Tokyo 2023," organized by Patek Philippe, finally kicked off on Saturday, June 10th. It's been four years since the last one in Singapore. The total exhibition area this time is said to be over 2500 square meters, making it the largest to date. I immediately went to check it out, and the sheer scale of it was truly impressive.

　The venue, the triangular plaza of the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, is directly connected to Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line, and as you approach the entrance, you can see the flower clock in the Jardin d'Anglet in Geneva's old town. This is the venue you are heading for.

1. The Rare Handcrafts Room showcases decorative techniques such as cloisonné, hand engraving, and wood inlay.

　Eleven themed areas are arranged along the trapezoidal space that is unique to the Triangle Square, with a Geneva cityscape and a mini-theater at the center. The first thing you see on the left wing after passing through the entrance is the "Rare Handcrafts Room."

　Previous Grand Exhibitions have featured rare handicrafts that paid homage to the host country, and this year will also feature 40 pieces with motifs of Japanese culture and traditions.

　All of the pieces incorporate Japanese artistic expression based on traditional Swiss techniques. In the adjacent "Craftsman Room," guillochers, engravers, and enamelists will be on hand to demonstrate traditional techniques linked to the exhibited works.

2. The Museum Room: Experience the history of clocks dating back to the 16th century

　The next room, the Patek Philippe Museum Room, houses approximately 180 items brought in from Geneva. In addition to the company's historical pieces, there are also private collections that offer a glimpse into the history of watches from the 16th to early 19th centuries.

　There is also a special room where you can view timepieces that were owned by famous owners, including Queen Victoria, as well as watches loaned by Japanese owners.

3. The "Current Collection Room" featuring all modern Patek Philippe watches

　Located in the center of the venue is the "Current Collection Room," modeled after the flagship salon on Rue du Rhône in Geneva's old town. The entire current collection is on display, including the new pieces just unveiled at the recent Watches & Wonders exhibition. Additionally, a number of limited editions created specifically for this grand exhibition are also on display.

　The "Napoleon Room" at the back is a reproduction of a special room in the salon of the main store, and the view of Lake Geneva seen from the window is projected onto a large screen.

4. Three technical areas where you can experience the exquisite craftsmanship of mechanical watches

　As you exit the right wing of the venue, the atmosphere becomes more technical. The first thing you see is the "Manufacture Room," which covers the entire manufacturing process of movements and exteriors. Furthermore, the results of R&D cultivated through a series of advanced research were also on display. The next two rooms are the other highlights of this Grand Exhibition.

The Super Complications Room displays the Cal. 89 pocket watch with 33 complications, the Star Caliber 2000 with 21 functions, and the Grandmaster Chime, the most complicated wristwatch with 20 functions. The Master of Sound Room also displays the company's chiming watches, including all of the minute repeaters currently in regular production.

5. The "Watchmaker's Room" where actual movements are disassembled and reassembled

　The final theme room is the "Watchmaker Room," where a watchmaker is always present. He demonstrates the disassembly and assembly of three core movements manufactured by Patek Philippe. Getting to this point is already quite in-depth, but being able to see the actual disassembled movements at the very end is even more exciting.

A rich content that you can enjoy not just once, but twice or three times.

　I spent about half a day looking around at my own pace, but to be honest, it was not enough time. The museum-related exhibits in particular are undoubtedly the largest in Japan, and if I missed this opportunity, I probably would never get to see them again.

　This exhibition is not only for watch enthusiasts, but also for the general public, who enjoy visiting art galleries and museums as a hobby. The exhibition runs until Sunday, June 25th. I highly recommend visiting it not just once, but twice or even three times.