In an age where miniaturization reigns supreme, Patek Philippe boldly declares that bigger can indeed be better. The Swiss watchmaker’s latest masterpiece—the Ref. 27000M-001 desk clock—proves that horological innovation needn’t be confined to the wrist.
Unveiled at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025, this architectural marvel resurrects the heritage of the 1923 “Packard Clock” while advancing the art of timekeeping. The sterling silver case, adorned with green Grand Feu flinqué enamel over intricate guilloché patterns, commands attention at 164.6mm × 125mm × 76.73mm. Gilt silver winged lions guard its corners, complementing the American walnut wood base that grounds this extravagant creation.
Beyond its baroque exterior lies genuine horological revolution. The new Caliber 86-135 PEND S IRM Q SE movement—a mechanical behemoth comprising 912 components—represents seven years of research and development. Three mainspring barrels provide an astonishing 31-day power reserve, while a patented constant-force mechanism ensures the balance maintains stable amplitude from first wind to last, achieving precision of ±1 second per day.
The silvery opaline dial masterfully organizes a constellation of complications: perpetual calendar functions, weekly calendar with a distinctive red rectangular frame indicator, jumping seconds hand, moonphase display, and power reserve indicator. Day and month windows appear at 9 and 3 o’clock respectively, while subsidiary dials for time and date maintain perfect balance.
Perhaps most revolutionary is Patek’s approach to user interaction. Hidden beneath the hinged bonnet is a thoroughly modern control console featuring five labeled pushers for calendar adjustments and a patented key ejection system. This marriage of 18th-century aesthetics with 21st-century ergonomics transforms what was once horological drudgery into intuitive pleasure.
At a reported 1,000,000 CHF (~$1.13 million), the Ref. 27000M-001 firmly establishes itself as an object for the ultra-wealthy collector who appreciates mechanical ingenuity regardless of wearability. Its predecessor at the 2021 Only Watch auction commanded 9.5 million Swiss francs, suggesting this new production model may prove a relative bargain for the horological cognoscenti.
The desk clock is perfect for someone like Anant Ambani, the son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man. He also happens to be one of the biggest patrons of Patek’s most complicated creations, owning the rarest Grand Complications worth tens of millions of dollars.
With this release, Patek Philippe reaffirms that true innovation needn’t always follow prevailing trends. While smartwatches count steps and wristwatches grow ever thinner, this magnificent anachronism celebrates mechanical complexity for its own sake—proving that in watchmaking, tradition and innovation can coexist magnificently when crafted by master hands.
