Watches often get passed through generations, giving added sentimental weight to these already significant objects. This sort of misty-eyed affection isn’t limited to just watch buyers. Take the latest release from Patek Philippe, reference 1938P, created as a tribute to former longtime company president Philippe Stern on his 85th birthday.
Philippe’s son and current president of Patek Philippe, Thierry Stern, commissioned the series of just 30 watches to honor his father—naming it 1938P after the year he was born. The new watch digs deeper into his father’s legacy, featuring a brand new movement and housing a minute repeater—Philippe Stern’s favorite complication.
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Putting together this new self-winding caliber R AL 27 PS movement was no easy task—requiring the addition of 227 components and the filing of four new patents. The story goes all the way back to the company’s 150th anniversary in 1989, when Philippe Stern reintroduced the minute repeater in wristwatch format with the launch of the caliber R 27. This was combined with an alarm that rings at the preset hour, one of five sound functions revealed in the Grandmaster Chime Reference 5175 back in 2014. The R AL 27 PS is built off the R 27 and, for the first time, combines a minute repeater and an alarm.
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The watch is as visually striking as it is technically impressive—featuring a Grand Feu enamel portrait of Philippe Stern himself on the 18k white gold dial. The white and gray, three-quarter profile image emerges from a black enamel background, complemented by a hand-stitched alligator leather band with platinum clasp to finish off the classic look.
The platinum, officer’s-style case has a 41mm diameter with a 14.2mm thickness and is 49.4mm lug-to-lug. The case opens up to reveal the movement as well as an engraving that reads: “À mon père, 85 ans de passion horlogère. “To my father, 85 years of watchmaking passion.”
The price of this ultra-limited-edition watch is available upon request. For more information, visit the Patek Philippe website.
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