Patek Philippe Twenty-4 Watches
Epitomising timeless elegance, Patek Philippe Twenty~4 watches are dedicated to the young and modern woman who leads an active lifestyle. This prestigious collection was designed to fit in with every single moment of a lady’s life and is the perfect accompaniment to any occasion.
The History of Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Watches
Launched in 1999, Patek Philippe Twenty~4 watches were instant hits, thanks largely to the Art Deco-inspired rectangular shape and the entry-level price point that made it accessible to a larger audience. The timepieces were available in stainless steel and rose gold, with the steel version being vastly more popular. Given the Reference 4910, these models come with a choice of black, blue, grey or white dials, and a set of 36 diamonds framing the right and left sides of the dial. The winding crown is also set with black onyx stones.
Although the Twenty~4 collection came with all the extraordinary craftsmanship you would expect from the Patek Philippe brand, there was one thing still missing – a self-winding movement. In its place, the original iterations had a quartz movement that incorporated 57 parts and six rubies. The idea behind this was that women were more concerned with how the timepiece looked, rather than how it was powered.
This all changed in 2018, when Patek Philippe released a new batch of Twenty~4 watches to join the original editions. While they may share similar names and belong in the same collection, these two iterations of the brand’s flagship womens’ wristwatches are remarkably different. The new variations, known as the Twenty~4 Automatic range, feature a round 36mm case, luminous Arabic numerals, a date window, and three hands. Like the original models, the new wristwatches were available in rose gold or stainless steel, complete with 160 diamonds set into the bezel.
The new collection also boasts the tried-and-trusted calibre 324 SC self-winding movement that was more commonly seen on the Nautilus Reference 5711, amongst others. In perhaps a long-overdue recognition that women are interested in the inner workings of their timepieces, the watches are fitted with a sapphire crystal case back, leaving the wearer free to admire the beautiful movement within.
Despite all the differences, the use of diamonds remains a core feature of the Twenty~4 collection. The Reference 7300/1200A, for example, boasts 160 hand-set Top Wesselton diamonds – alongside its steel bracelet, black gradation and choice of a choice of blue or grey sunburst dial. For those looking for something more flamboyant and decadent, the Reference 7300/1450R rose gold Haute Joaillerie model is ideal. It features an eye-watering 3,238 diamonds presented in a ‘snow’ setting, with each one being placed by hand.
An Exquisite Blend of Classic and Contemporary
A lady’s first choice, Patek Philippe Twenty~4 watches exude a feminine grace that also has the versatility of a classic yet stylish watch. Adding to the air of elegance, the collection uses precious metals and sparkling diamonds to really make the timepiece an exotic presence on the wearer’s wrist.
The collection gained inspiration from the men’s Gondolo collection, and featured a distinctive Art Deco rectangular case that was a popular aesthetic choice during the 1990s. It also offered the unusual combination of a stainless steel bracelet (a first for a Patek Philippe ladies’ watch) and brilliant-cut diamonds – some of which replaced the majority of the numbers on the dial. In addition, the range is slightly curved on the bracelet to give it a snug feel on the wrist. The fact that it is water resistant up to 30 metres also makes this timepiece an ideal all-rounder, looking just as good by the pool as it does at dinner.
A Real Bestseller
From the moment they were first released, Patek Philippe Twenty~4 watches became an instant hit. Unabashedly designed for young women who want an everyday timepiece that they could wear at any time or day or night – hence the name. This exquisite range is considered to be amongst Patek Philippe’s bestsellers, exhibiting the best that luxury Swiss watchmaking has to offer. Besides being used to tell the time, it can also be used as an amazing jewellery piece.
The timeless design of the Twenty~4 collection has really established it as a truly modern classic. It is a real trailblazer and a fantastic option for ladies looking to take their first steps into the Patek Philippe collectors’ market. A great all-rounder, the range is a fantastic seller and manages to hold its value, even if oblong timepieces are not en vogue.