With 33 complications, the Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon (Ref. 2006G) shown in the photo below is the most complicated portable mechanical watch in the world. It is also one of the most beautiful timepieces on the market today. This double-faced white gold wristwatch is entirely hand-engraved and comes on a black alligator leather strap with a hand-engraved and lacquered fold over clasp.
A triumph of the art of Swiss watchmaking, the 6002 Patek Sky Moon Tourbillon is fitted with a manually wound Caliber R TO 27 QR SID LU CL mechanical movement. The complications of the front side include a minute repeater with two cathedral gongs, a tourbillon escapement, a perpetual calendar with retrograde date hand, moon phase display and apertures indicating the day, month and leap year. On the back side it shows the northern sky, sidereal time and the progression and phases of the moon. It has a max power reserve of 48 hours and is resistant to dust and humidity.
While the movement deserves credit for powering the various complications, it is the design of this timepiece that truly sets it apart, even from other Patek Philippe models. The watchmaker compares the work of the engravers and enamelers that produce each of these watches by hand to a work of sculptural art. It is hard to argue with that when you look at the stunning detail carved into the white gold case. The black dial features cloisonné and champlevé enamel motifs, adding to the argument that this timepiece should be regarded as a work of art as much as a symbol of watchmaking excellence.
For most people, this would be considered a grail watch that comes around only once in a lifetime. It is designed like a work of fine art that hangs on the wrist instead of on a gallery wall and the designers, engravers and enamelers deserve as much credit as the watchmaker for its execution. For more information on this and other fine luxury timepieces by Patek Philippe, visit patek.com.
