Patek Philippe introduces the 2024 Only Watch 6301A

[Ichiran]

Cue the Patek haters ~

https://watchesbysjx.com/2024/04/pat...nly-watch.html

Patek Philippe’s original creation for the what was originally Only Watch 2023 was a unique version of the Minute Repeater Alarm ref. 1938P. After that got postponed to May this year, Patek Philippe replaced its original contribution with the ref. 6301A. Though only the dial differs from the standard version in terms of visuals, the ref. 6301A is strikingly different. 

The official model name of the ref. 6301A describes it comprehensively: “Grande and Petite Sonnerie, Minute Repeater. Rare Handcrafts”. The watch has the same GS 36-750 PS IRM movement as found in the regular production model. This hand-wind calibre incorporates a grande and petite sonnerie function that strikes the time as it passes in full or quarter strike mode (a silent mode is also available). In addition, it has a minute repeater that chimes the time on demand, which is activated via the pusher in the crown.

The Rare Handcrafts aspect of the watch is the dial, which is finished with blue-green flinqué enamel. The dial starts as a blank of 18k gold that is then engine turned by hand on a manually-operated rose engine to create the swirling-spiral pattern. The guilloche surface is then covered with enamel paint and fired in an oven, creating a glossy, translucent surface that reveals the pattern below.

The dial is further dressed up with 12 indices for the hours, along with the subtle “Only One” label incorporated into the twin power reserve indicators. Interestingly, the dial does away with the leaf-shaped hands found on the standard model, and replaces them with dauphine hand for a more modern look.

Diameter: 44.8 mm
Height: 12.3 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: None, but humidity and dust resistant