Patek Philippe Unveils Exceptional Ref. 6301A for Only Watch 2023 (2024)

Patek Philippe has recently introduced a remarkable timepiece, the ref. 6301A, as their official entry for the highly anticipated Only Watch auction in 2023 (rescheduled to May 10, 2024). This unique watch features a grande et petite sonnerie and minute repeater, housed in a steel case — a rare choice of metal for Patek's intricate complications.

 

Unlike some other brands that deferred their Only Watch releases, Patek Philippe chose to forge ahead and launched a 30-piece limited series based on their previous Only Watch creation — the ref. 1938 Minute Repeater Alarm featuring a grand feu enamel portrait of Philippe Stern. The new ref. 6301A, in contrast, embodies the quintessential elegance and sophistication associated with the Patek Philippe brand.

 

Photo Source: Hodinkee

 

The standout feature of the ref. 6301A is its manually wound caliber GS 36-750 PS IRM movement, visible through the exhibition caseback, which strikes three gongs. This model marks Patek's first standalone grande et petite sonnerie watch, capable of chiming the hours and quarters in grande sonnerie mode or solely the hours in petite sonnerie mode. Additionally, a silence function and minute repeater triggered by a monopusher-style button in the crown enhance its functionality.

 

Photo Source: Hodinkee

 

The compact movement, measuring 37mm by 7.5mm thick, accommodates two mainspring barrels providing 72 hours of power reserve for the movement and 24 hours for the strikeworks. The striking mechanism performs a remarkable 1056 strikes over 24 hours, while the presence of jumping small seconds adds a touch of technical sophistication.

 

The dial is adorned with a Rare Handcrafts design featuring a hand-guilloché swirling pattern and Grand Feu blue-green enamel, reminiscent of Patek Philippe's iconic Cathedral Gongs minute repeater ref. 5178G. Twelve baguette-cut diamond markers and "Only One" inscriptions on the power reserve indicators further accentuate the exclusivity of this timepiece.

 

Photo Source: Watches by SJX

 

Expected to fetch between CHF 1,500,000 - 1,800,000 at the Only Watch auction in Geneva, the ref. 6301A by Patek Philippe is truly a pièce unique that combines horological excellence with artistic craftsmanship, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a masterpiece from one of the most esteemed watchmakers in the world.