Cover Patek Philippe Cubitus Reference 5821/1AR-001
Patek Philippe Cubitus Reference 5821/1AR-001
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We visited the Patek Philippe Service Centre in Bangkok to find out how it keeps its customers’ timepieces in optimal condition
To accompany the launch of the Cubitus last year, Patek Philippe revived its classic slogan: “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely take care of it for the next generation.” First introduced in 1996, this tagline had been absent from the brand’s advertising campaigns for some time.
Its reappearance reaffirms the essence of the Patek Philippe Seal: a commitment to service, repair, or restore any of its watches, regardless of age. Yes, even a piece from 1839—the year Patek Philippe began production—if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one!
Read more: Patek Philippe’s president Thierry Stern discusses the new Cubitus collection
Above Patek Philippe Service Centre in Bangkok
Patek Philippe Service Centre in Bangkok
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This pledge is personally guaranteed by president Thierry Stern, whose family has owned the brand since 1932. “We are convinced that in our family-operated manufacture, the know-how required for servicing, repairing, and restoring our watches is just as important as the competence needed to craft new watches,” he explains.
“For this reason, we place great emphasis on having this work performed exclusively by watchmakers who have been trained and certified by Patek Philippe.”
The Patek Philippe Seal is more than a hallmark of exceptional quality; it is a promise to clients and collectors that their watches will “always benefit from the care and attention they need to preserve their value and integrity across generations.”
Generally, luxury watches should undergo servicing every five years. For a brand as prestigious as Patek Philippe—renowned for its enduring value and desirability—regular maintenance is essential to keep a timepiece in optimal condition.
Patek Philippe operates 18 Service Centres globally, seven of which are located in Asia. The Bangkok outpost at Gaysorn Tower is among the largest in the region, handling about 5,000 watches annually.
Refurbished and reopened in 2022, it spans 898 sqm and includes two VIP rooms. Design-wise, the space echoes the sophistication of a Patek Philippe boutique, incorporating a bespoke Baccarat crystal chandelier, warm Birdseye Maple and Rosewood accents, and brass finishes.
See also: Who is Zach Lu, the person who paid US$17mil for this unique Patek Philippe at Only Watch?
Above Patek Philippe Service Centre in Bangkok
Patek Philippe Service Centre in Bangkok
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Behind these elegant surroundings lies the true hub of activity—the workshop. Here, 18 watchmakers meticulously service models and restore vintage pieces. Their expertise spans all aspects of watchmaking, from assembly and disassembly to polishing and resolving complex mechanical issues. The most intricate watch the Bangkok Service Centre can handle is the self-winding perpetual calendar with a retrograde date.
Every watchmaker undergoes rigorous training at Patek Philippe’s Geneva workshops. Level 1, which takes two to five years to complete, covers essential mechanical and quartz watches. The programme advances through seven technical levels, with higher stages focusing on intricate modules and complications.
After completing each level, watchmakers must apply their skills for 36 months before they progress further. Completing the full programme typically takes 25 to 30 years—roughly the entire length of a watchmaker’s career.
Above Patek Philippe’s technical trainer David Llamas
Patek Philippe’s technical trainer David Llamas
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The Bangkok workshop is equipped with an array of specialised tools, ranging from a complete kit for bracelet adjustments to machinery for mirror-polishing. The servicing process is extremely detail-oriented, not unlike the attention to detail paid to a new watch creation.
Every watch that comes in is first authenticated against the manufacture’s historical archives, which keep a meticulous record of every serial number of every Patek Philippe watch ever produced.
During servicing, the watchmaker disassembles the timepiece to identify any issues. Each component, including the case and bracelet, is cleaned to remove debris and lubricant residue. The movement is then reassembled, the case tested for integrity, and the dial and hands mounted. After casing up the movement, the watch undergoes a rate test. A final inspection— encompassing technical and aesthetic benchmarks and requiring up to 14 days—is conducted.
Above Watch oils for lubrication
Watch oils for lubrication
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Entrusting your Patek Philippe to an authorised Service Centre is strongly advised, as it offers expertise unique to the brand. For example, only Patek Philippe has the necessary tools and skills to hand-fit chronograph hands securely to a dial.
The Bangkok Service Centre exemplifies Patek Philippe’s unwavering dedication to preserving the legacy of its timepieces. Whether a modern masterpiece or a cherished heirloom, every watch is treated with the utmost care, ensuring it remains a timeless treasure for generations to come.
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
