Patek Philippe’s new booth at BaselWorld 2014: a luminous glass pavilion

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Patek Philippe’s new booth at BaselWorld 2014. According to the brand, more than two years of architectural and engineering works were required to create this structure. Photo: © Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe’s new booth at BaselWorld 2014. According to the brand, more than two years of architectural and engineering works were required to create this structure. Photo: © Patek Philippe

Fans of Patek Philippe visiting the annual BaselWorld watch fair in 2014 in late March will be welcomed by the brand’s new booth, a luminous glass pavilion designed by architectural firm Ottavio Di Blasi & Partners from Milan.

While the ground area has expanded 9.5% to 630 square metres, the total floor area occupied by Patek Philippe has increased by 57%; from 955 square metres in 2013 to 1,500 square metres in 2014 as the pavilion takes up three levels.

A total of 125 tons of steel will be used for the structure which will hold 117 glass elements weighing 70 tons and covering 600 square metres of surface area.

The central structure inside the glass pavilion has 400 square metres of backlit Corian (a surface material made by DuPont) and it will be illuminated by 5km of LED lights. Hence, the luminous glass pavilion.

More importantly for fans of the brand will be the showcases where 198 timepieces from Patek Philippe’s collections will be on public display. It will include the new 2014 timepieces and 50 different calibres.

The year 2014 marks the 175th anniversary of Patek Philippe’s founding (1839 to 2014). Patek Philippe was founded by Antoine Norbert de Patek and this well-recognised global brand name came to be with Jean-Adrien Philippe joining in 1845.

From what we understand, the focus at BaselWorld will solely be on the brand’s 2014 novelties. The 175th commemorative anniversary timepieces, which are well-kept secrets, will only be revealed later during the year.

The previous structure used by Patek Philippe at BaselWorld had served the brand well, having been in use since 1999, or a good 15 years.

Patek Philippe’s booth has always been a BaselWorld highlight and a walk around the booth to view its fascinating exhibits is a tradition that began on our first visit to the annual watch fair back in the early 2000s.

Patek Philippe has been a part of the annual BaselWorld watch fair for 83 years, having first participated in 1931.

Other Patek Philippe articles on timewerke.com that may be of interest:
i. Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph Ref. 5990/1A: the push for more
ii. Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5960/1A: A few firsts
iii. Patek Philippe Ref. 3417 Amagnetic: in demand, present “tense”

Raymond Weil, Nabucco and the BRIT Awards

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Ellie Goulding with her Raymond Weil Nabucco for ladies. She was named the best “British Female Solo Artist” at the 2014 BRIT Awards. In 2011, Ellie Goulding sang the cover versions of Sir Elton John’s “Your Song” and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” at the Royal wedding reception of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April. That same year, she sang Christmas carols for President Barack Obama. Photo courtesy of Raymond Weil

Ellie Goulding with her Raymond Weil Nabucco for ladies. She was named the best “British Female Solo Artist” at the 2014 BRIT Awards. In 2011, Ellie Goulding sang the cover versions of Sir Elton John’s “Your Song” and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” at the Royal wedding reception of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April. That same year, she sang Christmas carols for President Barack Obama. Photo courtesy of Raymond Weil

What is Raymond Weil’s link with the BRIT Awards? Well, the brand is the Official Watch and Timing Partner of one of the most influential annual ceremonies on the music scene in the United Kingdom.

The BRIT Awards is organised by the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) which is essentially the trade body that represents the UK’s recorded music industry.

Raymond Weil BRIT Awards Nabucco for ladies. This is the same model that was presented to Ellie Goulding. Photo: © Raymond Weil

Raymond Weil 2014 BRIT Awards Nabucco for ladies. This is the same model that was presented to Ellie Goulding. Photo: © Raymond Weil

Some 90% of all recorded music sold in the UK comes from BPI’s members and these include recording companies like Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music.

The recorded music market in the United Kingdom is the third largest globally. In 2013, revenues of the recorded music industry in the United Kingdom grew 1.9% to reach £730.4 million (US$1.22 billion / 889.09 billion euros / 1.08 billion Swiss francs / SGD1.54 billion (Singapore dollars)).

Case back of Raymond Weil’s 2014 BRIT Awards Nabucco. Only a few such pieces will be offered for sale to the public. Photo: © Raymond Weil

Case back of Raymond Weil’s 2014 BRIT Awards Nabucco. Only a few such pieces will be offered for sale to the public. Photo: © Raymond Weil

Raymond Weil has been the Official Watch and Timing Partner of the BRIT Awards since 2007 and each year, the brand will present special limited edition timepieces to artists, presenters and performers. Past recipients include Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams.

For the 2014 BRIT Awards, Raymond Weil’s watch of choice is from its Nabucco collection. From what is understood, only 85 pieces were made.

American musician Nile Rodgers pleased with his Raymond Weil Nabucco in black. He is not only a guitarist but a producer and composer. He is the lead guitarist of the band known as Chic. The band is famous for songs such as “Good Times”, “Le Freak” and “We are Family”. Photo courtesy of Raymond Weil

American musician Nile Rodgers pleased with his Raymond Weil 2014 BRIT Awards Nabucco in black. He is not only a guitarist but a producer and composer. He is the lead guitarist of the band known as Chic. The band is famous for songs such as “Good Times”, “Le Freak” and “We are Family”. Photo courtesy of Raymond Weil

Among those presented with the limited edition Raymond Weil Nabucco BRIT Awards chronograph watches in 2014 were Ella Eyre, Labrinth, Tinie Tempah, Zane Lowe, Sam Smith, Nile Rodgers, John Newman, Ellie Goulding, Beyonce and Jake Bugg.

Raymond Weil 2014 BRIT Awards Nabucco for gents. This is the same model presented to Nile Rodgers. Photo: © Raymond Weil

Raymond Weil 2014 BRIT Awards Nabucco for gents. This is the same model presented to Nile Rodgers. Photo: © Raymond Weil

Two versions were created; an all-black piece with red chronograph central seconds and counter hands, and date numerals, and a more feminine version which comes with a red leather strap.

We actually find the so-called “feminine” version suitable for gents as well and won’t be surprised to find demand for the very few pieces made available originating from men.