In the rarefied world of haute horology, where mechanical masterpieces serve as both functional timepieces and works of art, Anant Ambani stands out as one of the most discerning collectors. The youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, the richest person in India, has cultivated a deep appreciation for fine watchmaking that extends far beyond mere acquisition. While Anant owns some of the rarest and most expensive watches ever made, at the heart of Ambani’s carefully curated collection lies a particular devotion to Patek Philippe.
Among the notable pieces in his collection are three of the most complex and exclusive timepieces made by Patek. However, one of them is a clear favorite for the billionaire scion as he owns not one but at least two different versions of the multi-million dollar wristwatch.
The Patek Philippe masterpiece in question is the Sky Moon Tourbillon, the second most complex watch made by the iconic Swiss manufacturer.
Back in March, last year, Anant Ambani was spotted 20th anniversary version of the ref. 6002R-001. Believed to be worth $6.5 million, the limited production model features an ornate case crafted out of 18k rose gold. Several months later, the 29-year-old wore the series production model of the Sky Moon Tourbillon to a party hosted by the Ambani family honoring India’s Olympians and Paralympians.
The second Sky Moon Tourbillon in Anant’s collection boasts a hand-engraved white gold case and a black dial, which separate it from the 20th-anniversary version. While its retail price was close to $2 million, the incredible timepiece has an estimated current market value of around $8.5 million.
When Patek Philippe unveiled the Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 6002 in 2013, it represented more than just a new addition to their Grand Complications collection – it was a testament to the pinnacle of watchmaking artistry. The timepiece stands as one of the most complicated wristwatches ever produced by the venerable manufacture, combining rare technical sophistication with extraordinary artistic craftsmanship.
The Ref. 6002 is a masterwork of engraving, with its 18k white gold case adorned in a spectacular array of volutes and arabesques. Every surface of the case, from the crowns to the minute repeater slide, has been meticulously hand-engraved by master artisans who spent hundreds of hours creating this three-dimensional artwork. The dial, crafted from champlevé and cloisonné enamel, showcases a level of decorative detail that transforms timekeeping into visual poetry.
Beneath its ornate exterior, the Sky Moon Tourbillon houses an extraordinary mechanical heart with 12 complications spread across two faces. The front dial displays the time, perpetual calendar with retrograde date hand, and moon phase indication. The reverse side reveals the celestial display, showing the apparent movement of the stars, the phases and orbital position of the moon, and the meridian passage times of Sirius and the moon.
The minute repeater mechanism, with its cathedral gongs, transforms time into melody, chiming the hours, quarters, and minutes on demand.
Each Sky Moon Tourbillon requires years of work from conception to completion, with only a handful of pieces produced annually. The Caliber R TO 27 QR SID LU CL movement alone consists of 686 parts, each finished to the highest standards of Patek Philippe’s craftsmanship. This exceptional timepiece represents the synthesis of traditional watchmaking skills with contemporary innovation, embodying the philosophy expressed in Patek Philippe’s famous advertising slogan: “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.”
