Patek Philippe unveils limited-edition Minute Repeater Alarm Reference 1938P-001 honouring Philippe Stern

Limited to 30 pieces, the watch features a new exclusive movement never to be used again

Patek Philippe is pushing the boundaries of horological innovation once again with the launch of its latest masterpiece: the Minute Repeater Alarm Reference 1938P-001. This exceptional timepiece is not just a celebration of craftsmanship but also a heartfelt homage to Philippe Stern, the distinguished president of the manufacture from 1993 to 2009 and current honorary president, on the occasion of his 85th birthday.

The choice of a minute repeater was a carefully considered one. On the renowned Geneva-based watch manufacturer’s 150th anniversary in 1989, Philippe Stern, who was company director at the time, launched the great revival of the wrist-worn minute repeater with the self-winding caliber R 27. It was the first movement of its kind designed and built entirely in-house. Since then, minute repeaters have steadily regained a privileged place in Patek Philippe’s product range. In fact, the brand is known for having the largest collection of minute-repeater wristwatches in regular production. It is no surprise then, that the minute repeater is also Philippe Stern’s favourite complication.

In case you missed it: Inside the Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition in Tokyo

Above Patek Philippe, Minute Repeater Alarm Reference 1938P-001 (Photo: Patek Philippe)

With this significance in mind, Thierry Stern, current president of the manufacture, decided to honour his father by creating a special edition of 30 watches, each featuring an exclusive new self-winding movement never to be used again, the unique caliber R AL 27 PS. The movement is integrated with a special acoustic function: a 12-hour alarm chiming the programmed time. The alarm time is set through the crown, with the watch chiming two minutes before the programmed time to ensure every strike is heard distinctly.

Four new patents were filed during the development of this exceptional movement, ensuring seamless transitions between chiming modes, delaying the alarm strike until the designated time, maintaining the correct strike sequence, and guaranteeing the strike-work barrel is always fully armed.

Photo 1 of 3 The engraving on the dust cover translates to “To my father, 85 years of watchmaking passion” (Photo: Patek Philippe)

Photo 2 of 3 The transparent sapphire crystal case back reveals the R AL 27 PS self-winding movement (Photo: Patek Philippe)

Photo 3 of 3 Applied Breguet-style numerals and Breguet-style hour and minute hands are made in white gold, contrasting with the rose gold alarm hand and scale (Photo: Patek Philippe)

The Reference 1938P-001 comes in a sleek 41mm platinum case with straight lugs and screwed-in strap bars, recalling the limited-edition Reference 3960 from 1989—another timepiece dear to Philippe Stern, made in the “Officer’s” style reminiscent of the earliest wristwatches, which emerged at the turn of the twentieth century. The watch is fitted with a shiny black alligator leather strap with a platinum fold-over clasp.

In a display of Patek Philippe’s renowned precious rare handcrafts, the Grand Feu black enamel dial of the Reference 1938P-001 features a portrait of Philippe Stern in Grand Feu white and grey miniature painting. Finally, the case comes with a sapphire crystal back protected by a hinged dust cover bearing the hand-engraved inscription, “A mon père, 85 ans de passion horlogère”, which translates to “To my father, 85 years of watchmaking passion”.

NOW READ

Rolex celebrates 20 years of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative

4 spectacular new watches that track the lunar cycle

Audemars Piguet introduces the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet in new 38mm case size

Topics

Patek Philippe Philippe Stern Minute Repeater Minute Repeater Alarm Reference 1938P-001 Luxury watches Limited edition watch

Tatler Asia

Patek Philippe honours Philippe Stern with limited-edition Minute Repeater Alarm Reference 1938P-001