Page Dimensions

Approx. 9 5/8" x 12 3/8" (24cm x 31cm)

Story and Details

Maitres de L’Horlogerie Genevoise 

Translation... Masters of Geneva watchmaking. This Starry night-esque mini poster is the kind of Object d'art that's perfect for anyone who owns a Patek Philippe - or just appreciates the history of watchmaking. Displaying it shows a love for the brand and fascination with this time period, when the Ref. 2499 was brand-new and the Ref. 2526 was on the horizon. The number of exceptional timepieces born during this era, from Patek Philippe and other prestigious companies, is truly astounding. The stuff dreams are made of... 

Back to this masterpiece of an ad, which appears to be art in every sense of the word. Starting with the confident claim inked on the paper flowing through the wind - a fair claim to toss out there, certainly today, if you considering Patek's history. The background is definitely painterly, with cool tones of blue and green punctuated by yellow stars, reminding me of the original Peter Pan movie from the period when they're flying over London.

The level of artisanship that went into this ad is a lost art today. Every aspect should be revered, from it being a one-off design to it saying so much, so efficiently, through beautiful, hand-done work. When you think about the time it probably took to create this, and the printing process to ultimately produce in a publication, this Patek advertisement should be looked at similarly to how we're in awe of a Cloisonné dial. 

This ad is simple elegance, something that Patek did masterfully in 1951 - and today over 70 years later. The artistic composition captures not only the sheer breathtaking nature of timepieces created back then, but also the skill and craftsmanship required and demanded. This ad begs to be framed magnificently and displayed proudly :)