COMPLICATION: Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime

The fact that the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime (approximately $2.6 million) houses the greatest number of acoustic complications yet found in a chiming watch might easily qualify it for the honor of being named the most impressive complicated timepiece of the year. Yet its most groundbreaking achievement is the manner in which these functions are connected. Most […]

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Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime

Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime

Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime

The fact that the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime (approximately $2.6 million) houses the greatest number of acoustic complications yet found in a chiming watch might easily qualify it for the honor of being named the most impressive complicated timepiece of the year. Yet its most groundbreaking achievement is the manner in which these functions are connected. Most such watches, including sonneries and repeaters, are fragile contraptions, requiring delicate power adjustment and great care in operation to avoid damaging the movements. Patek Philippe’s engineers devised a first-of-its-kind sliding-differential system to supply power selectively to functions that are in operation and to protect those that are not. This development not only adds a layer of complexity to the overall design, but also substantially enhances the watch’s user-friendliness. Built for the company’s 175th anniversary and limited to seven pieces, six of which are available worldwide, the Grandmaster Chime delivers a resounding analog riposte to the digital clamor created by electronic devices such as the Apple Watch. (patek.com)