Since its establishment in 1972, Cortina Watch has proudly maintained a longstanding partnership with one of the most esteemed names in Swiss watchmaking, Patek Philippe. As Cortina Watch celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, it also honours 50 years representing the Genevan watch manufacturer.
It was more than 66 years ago that Cortina Watch’s founder Anthony Lim, and Patek Philippe’s Henri Stern met for the first time. What would follow was partnership that spanned generations and enabled both brands to expand across Southeast and East Asia. The six Patek Philippe specialist boutiques exclusively managed by Cortina Watch today stand as a testament to the strength of this partnership.
To mark this Golden Jubilee milestone for both Cortina Watch and five decades of prosperous partnership with Patek Philippe in the region, a commemorative limited-edition white gold wristwatch and a unique ‘Singapore Skyline’ dome table clock have been unveiled.
Limited-edition Calatrava wristwatch in white gold
In 1997, a Ref. 5057R-001 model was created to celebrate Cortina Watch’s 25th anniversary. Now, for its 50th anniversary, a new white gold edition Ref. 5057G-010 will be produced in a limited number of 100 pieces, sporting the same triple row guilloched “Clous de Paris” hobnail bezel as its predecessor.
Its charcoal grey sunburst dial features a black-gradient rim, white transfer-printed Roman numerals and white gold hands. Two subdials serve to display the date, moon phases and power reserves, while a small seconds indication sits between the four and five o’clock markers.
The timepiece is powered by the Caliber 240 PS IRM C LU, an ultra-thin, self-winding movement with a 48-hour power reserve, visible through the transparent sapphire caseback. A commemorative inscription that reads, ‘Cortina Watch 50th Anniversary Since 1972’, can also be found on the caseback.
‘Singapore Skyline’ dome table clock
A second commemorative creation celebrating the 50th anniversary is the Ref. 20145M-001 “Singapore Skyline”, a dome table clock in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel that showcases the famed landmarks of Singapore’s urban landscape.
The cityscape depicts icons like the Merlion mascot, the Esplanade, Central Business District, Gardens by the Bay, as well as Marina Bay Sands, which is the site of the second Patek Philippe boutique opened in Singapore by Cortina Watch.
The contours of the skyline were formed using 9.2 meters of 24K gold wire, cut into small segments and shaped by hand. To create the scene’s graduated, layered tints, a palette of 50 enamel colours were used.
The clock is powered by the Caliber 17’’’ PEND mechanical movement rewound by an electric motor. A guilloched hour circle sits as its centrepiece, with dentate edges reminiscent of the flowers in the garden city. The 12 baguette hour markers framing the dial centre are made of lapis lazuli.
Marking the special occasion, the inscription ‘Cortina Watch – 50th Anniversary – Since 1972’ is discreetly engraved on the clock.
A travelling exhibition
In addition to releasing these special edition pieces, Cortina Watch and Patek Philippe will co-host an exhibition highlighting their cherished partnership. The limited edition Ref. 5057G-010 and Ref. 20145M-001 “Singapore Skyline” dome table clock will be showcased there, along with the Ref. 5057R-001 25th anniversary model.
Cortina Watch’s collection of other unique Patek Philippe creations will also be on display, such as Ref. 1677M “Esplanade”, the Ref. 20094M-001 “Bay of Singapore”, and the Ref. 20040M-001 “Twilight Taipei”.
The travelling exhibition will be held at Patek Philippe boutiques in Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia.
Source: Patek Philippe and Cortina Watch