PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 6301A-010 GRANDE SONNERIE DEBUTS AT ONLY WATCH 2024

Patek Philippe is making headlines with its announcement for the Only Watch auction scheduled for May 10TH, 2024: the Grande and Petite Sonnerie Ref. 6301A-010 “Only Watch”. This watch is Lot 32 at the auction at Palexpo in Geneva. 

This watch stands out as it is based on the highly complex standard Patek Philippe clock-watch, currently the second most intricate design in their lineup. This model features a stainless steel case, a common choice for Only Watch edition, and is adorned with a handcrafted guilloche dial under blue-green translucent fired enamel, highlighted by 12 diamond indices in baguette cut, which is unusual for this event.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
At present, the Ref. 6301A is the only entirely new piece at Only Watch 2024, with the rest being modifications of watches from the previous year's event. Initially intended for Only Watch 2023, Patek Philippe's contribution was the unique Minute Repeater Alarm Ref. 1938P, which was replaced by the Ref. 6301A after the event's postponement to 2024. This new reference maintains the standard model’s design but introduces a less formal aesthetic with its elaborate dial. While not as unexpected as the entirely new Ref. 1938P, the Ref. 6301A is more complex.

CHIMING RARE HANDCRAFTS
The full title of the model "Grande and Petite Sonnerie, Minute Repeater, Rare Handcrafts" describes its functions and aesthetic very well in our opinion. It is equipped with the GS 36-750 PS IRM movement found in the regular production models, featuring a grande and petite sonnerie that strikes hourly or quarterly and a minute repeater that chimes on demand. The watch also includes a silent mode and is manually wound with twin mainsprings dedicated to timekeeping and strikework, respectively. Power reserves for each are displayed on the dial via fan-shaped indicators.

AESTHETICS
The Ref. 6301A mirrors the standard model’s dimensions at 44.8 mm by 12.3 mm, making it one of the larger Patek Philippe watches. This version uses a stainless steel case, offering a lighter, more comfortable wear than its platinum counterparts. The sapphire case back is inscribed with “Only Watch 2024”.

The dial itself is a masterpiece of the Rare Handcrafts series, beginning as an 18k gold blank that is hand-engraved with a rose engine to produce a swirling spiral pattern. This is then layered with enamel and fired to a glossy finish that subtly reveals the pattern underneath, which is also enhanced with diamond hour markers. 

SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATED AUCTION VALUE

• Model name: Patek Philippe Grande and Petite Sonnerie, Minute Repeater, Rare Handcrafts "Only Watch"
• Reference: 6301A-010
• Diameter: 44.8 mm (not for every wrist!)
• Height: 12.3 mm
• Case: Stainless steel and sapphire crystal
• Water Resistance: "Just" protected against humidity and dust
• Movement: GS 36-750 PS IRM manual winding
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, grande and petite sonnerie, minute repeater, power reserve indicators
• Power Reserve: 72 hours for timekeeping, 24 hours for strikework
• Strap: Alligator leather with a steel folding clasp