Chapter 5

A Striking Heritage

The Renaissance of Minute Repeaters at Patek Philippe

The rebirth of Patek Philippe’s chiming watches came in 1989 – a pivotal year that marked the manufacture’s 150th anniversary, celebrated with the launch of the famous Caliber 89 (33 complications) and the Caliber R 27, Patek Philippe’s first minute repeater movement to be developed and crafted entirely in-house.

Caliber R 27)
Caliber R 27

This innovative caliber featured a new striking function that was optimized with a centrifugal governor and therefore negated the use of the recoil anchor. The movement debuted in two commemorative watches – the Ref. 3979 and the Ref. 3974.

The Caliber R 27 remains the foundation of Patek Philippe’s minute repeater wristwatches to this day – be it for pure repeater models or combined with further complications.

The Caliber R 27 remains the foundation of Patek Philippe’s minute repeater wristwatches to this day – be it for pure repeater models or combined with further complications.

Tracing Chiming Watches Throughout Patek Philippe’s History

Explore sound throughout Patek Philippe’s history.

Fully rooted in Geneva’s watchmaking tradition, the manufacture began producing striking watches from its outset in 1839. The knowledge and skills attained by Patek Philippe’s artisans throughout history have led to the manufacture’s unrivaled position in the industry today.

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