Patek Philippe’s fine workmanship also extends to parts we don’t see — every component beneath the dials undergoes hand-finishing as well. This attention ensures not only immediate performance but also longevity. Chamfering and bevelling expertly refine edges to a precise 45-degree curve, while trimming eliminates machining remnants. The sinks (the holes in which screws, gemstones and wheels sit) are also made and polished by skilled watchmakers. Various components additionally receive traditional decorations, including circular satin finishes, Geneva stripes, mirror polishing, and straight or circular graining.

Tying it all together are the case and bracelets, which Patek Philippe also goes to great lengths to perfect. A single case requires about 20 specialists performing 50 different operations, each one finally hand-finished to file away metal residue, solder attachments, and adjust the case hinges and openings (where applicable) for a smooth fit. Guilloché can often be found on ornate case backs, but also on the bezels of models like the Ref. 6119. Cases can be gem-set or engraved, with the most elaborate examples of the latter taking up to a week. Patek Philippe uses the “free floating” technique to polish its cases, which is an ultra-fine method that creates smooth, damage-free surfaces. This method, however, requires considerable and time, patience, and skill — a gold case can take one and a half hours to polish, a bracelet up to two hours, and a platinum case four hours.

All of these efforts converge in the pursuit of crafting not just beauty, but ensuring utmost comfort and a demonstration of a lifetime of artistry and skills.