The Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition Tokyo 2023 is a journey into the world of remarkable craftsmanship

Despite the intermittent rain, the Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition Tokyo 2023 brought forth the enthusiasm of the guests, visitors, and media. The venue, Sumitomo Sankaku Hiroba in Shinjuku, is a sprawling plaza hall spanning approximately 3,200 sq m. To create an immersive experience, Patek Philippe adorned the hall with a glass roof that housed a replica of the iconic lakeside ambience, complete with the Flower Clock found in Geneva.
More than 500 exquisite timepieces and artefacts in this exhibition space showcase Patek Philippe’s expertise. Each piece is a testament to the brand’s unparalleled craftsmanship and artistic prowess.
The date chosen for the exhibition’s opening could not have been more auspicious. In Japan, June 10 has been designated as Clock Day since 1920. The Japanese have a rich history with water clocks known as rokoku, first produced in AD 660. These clocks pour water into a series of tanks. The last tank has an arrow attached to a floater that rises higher as the water level increases.
This is Patek Philippe’s sixth grand exhibition, and Japan was chosen due to its remarkable shared history. In 1873, the renowned Iwakura delegation, led by ambassador Tomomi Iwakura, visited Patek Philippe’s Geneva headquarters, where Antoine Norbert de Patek, the founder of the company, acted as their guide. This encounter resulted in Japanese dignitaries wanting to acquire Patek Philippe watches.
The official importation of Patek Philippe timepieces into Japan started in the late 1950s, paving the way for a lasting connection. Building upon this relationship, the Japanese subsidiary PP Japan Inc was established in 2003, further solidifying Patek Philippe’s presence in the country.
Equipped with a map of the exhibition hall and earphones, we navigated the easy-to-follow layout, enjoyed the clear and concise explanations provided through the commentary, and lost ourselves in the captivating Patek Philippe universe.

Paying homage
As a tribute to its close relationship with Japan, Patek Philippe has created six limited editions showcasing its watchmaking expertise.