A Partnership that Stood the Test of Time
In a world of impermanence, timeless qualities are the most precious of all. One storied inter-family relationship, between Patek Philippe & Cortina Watch, is soon set to celebrate half a century of partnership. It reminds us that what matters are our values: courage, chivalry and independence; our human qualities of craftmanship and care; and our relationship across oceans that even in troubled times will spread noble ideals far and wide.
In the world of fine watchmaking, Patek Philippe is renowned for a relentless pursuit of traditional Genevan artistry, stretching back to 1839 in Geneva, Switzerland. Those who love the manufacturer’s timepieces savour the results of its full creative freedom, which extends to the watch’s design, development and craftwork.
It is a reputation that gives founders Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe their deserved place amongst the world’s finest watch makers. This has helped Patek Philippe to nurture a tradition of innovation, with over a hundred patents[1] gained throughout the brand’s history. Thanks to early advances such as keyless winding and hand-setting systems[2], Patek Philippe quickly earned acclaim from discerning collectors.
As it gained popularity among connoisseurs, one distinction set these time-pieces apart – the Calatrava cross. Named after a Spanish order of knighthood founded in the late 12th century, the symbol represents courage, chivalry, and independence. In 1887[3], it was trademarked by Patek Philippe.
Classic Elegance in Turbulent Times
A new beginning for Patek Phillippe arrived in 1932, following the investments of brothers Jean and Charles Henri Stern[4]. Soon came the launch of the Calatrava collection, and its flagship collection, the Ref. 96. Praised as a watch free of complications and excessive functions, it was propelled to success, thanks to a design inspired by the highly-influential Bauhaus movement.
The launch, and the Calatrava spirit, drew upon the notion that form should obey function, setting a benchmark for modern wristwatches[5], and marking an exciting phase of growth for Patek Phillippe. Soon the Calatrava was viewed far and wide as more than just a watch – but a functional piece of art. For watch lovers, greater artisan craftsmanship and achievements lay ahead.
With skills passed down through generations[6], each Patek Phillippe timepiece is hand-completed by a trained and dedicated specialist. The intricate process smooths away tiny burrs that may impede movement, guarding against oxidation. This gives the metal components its burnished, alluring beauty.
Over the years, this culture of artisanship was matched by a growing list of patented watch-making innovations:
- 1953: the self-winding mechanism; Caliber 12-600 AT
- 1959: a patent for time-zone watches
- 1977: ultra-thin automatic; Caliber 240
- 1996: the Annual Calendar mechanism; Ref. 5035J
- 2001: The Sky Moon Tourbillon; Ref. 5002, the first double-faced wristwatch[7]
A Partnership of Quality and Care
As the symbol of important relationships, watches help us pass on values and stories to the next generation. A fine timepiece is a reminder to us of what matters most in our lives – the values that we hold, and the human qualities, like craftsmanship and care, that transmit these values.
For those who share this passion, a storied timepiece will span continents, helping spread its noble ideals far and wide. Such was the case for Mr Anthony Lim, the founder of Cortina Watch in Singapore. His bond with the Stern family dates back to 1956, long before the retail partnership began.
Driven by a shared passion for the brand and insurmountable trust, Mr Lim launched Cortina Watch in 1972, becoming the first official dealer for Patek Philippe in Singapore. With closely aligned values and an eye for discerning clients, the Stern and Lim families supported each other from one decade to the next. Despite multiple hurdles, they ensured that the legacy of the Calatrava remained unwavering.
The Cortina Watch team’s faith in Patek Philippe has remained steadfast, and the Genevan manufacturer has helped propel the partnership’s expansion strategy. Deepening its presence in Singapore first, it then extended its footprint to Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Indonesia. Currently, the brand is carried by a total of 12 boutiques, with over half of these specialising in Patek Philippe alone.
The dedication to the Calatrava legacy and the consistent effort by the Cortina Watch team have brought clients Asia’s most exclusive and prestigious Patek Philippe experience. Starting with special access to brand updates, the partnership goes above and beyond, taking each unique detail into account as it shares the story and passion.
Cortina Watch was instrumental in pioneering the ‘shop-within-a-shop’ concept in Singapore, thanks to a project headed by the eldest son of its founder. The success of these boutiques laid the groundwork for future Cortina Watch’s stand-alone Patek Philippe boutiques. In 2009 , the first flagship Patek Philippe boutique in ION Orchard opened its doors, evolving in 2016 to become the largest standalone boutique of its kind in Southeast Asia.
This was followed by the Patek Philippe Marina Bay Sands boutique launched in 2011, and the landmark Patek Philippe Taipei 101 boutique, which upon its 2014 renovation, became the largest in Asia. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, Cortina Watch has moved forward, not only renovating and reopening the Patek Philippe Paragon point-of-sale in Singapore, but also opening the Patek Philippe JW Marriot boutique in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, replete with a fresh new interior concept and a magnificent façade.
Let the Celebrations Begin
As Cortina Watch celebrates its 50th year, the company wishes to extend its appreciation to Patek Philippe for the enduring partnership that has played a critical role in the journey of a successful Asia-based retail network, now stretching far and wide across domestic and regional territories.
The 25th anniversary of Cortina Watch was marked with a limited edition Calatrava timepiece, exclusively designed for the occasion: a limited edition of 100 timepieces in 18-karat pink gold, it bore the exclusive Geneva seal, featuring an asymmetrical layout which was perfectly uncluttered on the white-lacquered dial.
Celebrated founder, Mr Anthony Lim meantime marked his 80th birthday with a personalized white gold Calatrava Ref. 5227, presented to him in Singapore by Mr Philippe Stern himself – further proof that the decades-long bonds were as strong as ever.
For its 50th anniversary, a new limited edition Patek Philippe timepiece, exclusively designed for Cortina Watch and its loyal customers, will also be launched to commemorate this historic milestone in style, honouring once again the shared passions that have bridged time and distance for half a century.
This will be an exciting year of regional celebrations with the anniversary events kicking off from early 2022.
Look out for more celebratory events and unique offerings lined up for Cortina Watch’s 50th Anniversary at our website, Facebook and Instagram page.
1 Patek Philippe 2 Patek Philippe 3 Patek Philippe
