Having announced its return with an auction on May 10, 2024, Only Watch has finally revealed the watch that everyone has been waiting for: the Patek Philippe Grande and Petite Sonnerie Ref. 6301A-010 “Only Watch”. Based on the standard version of Patek Philippe’s clockwatch – which is the second most complicated watch in the brand’s catalogue – the ref. 6301A has a stainless steel case like several past Only Watch editions and more unusually, a Rare Handcrafts hand guilloche dial covered with blue-green translucent fired enamel and 12 baguette-cut diamond indices.

For the moment, the ref. 6301A is the only timepiece in Only Watch 2024 that is an entirely new creation, while the rest of the offerings are carried over from last year’s event (though word has it a prominent independent watchmaker might be making significant modifications to his creation).

Initial thoughts

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. With its elaborate dial, it looks less formal and more decorative.

Thought arguably less surprising than the ref. 1938P that was an entirely new reference and complication, the ref. 6301A is more complicated, expensive, and elaborate. It is surpassed only by the Grandmaster Chime ref. 6300; the unique steel ref. 6300A made for Only Watch achieved a still-unbroken record of CHF31 million in 2019. Consequently, this ref. 6301A will likely be more valuable than the ref. 1938A, all things being equal.

For the ref. 6301A to cross the CHF20 million mark is a given, if the right bidders are in the room (or more accurately just the bidder plus a few underbidders). Along with the other high-value lots in Only Watch 2024, which include F.P. Journe, Rexhep Rexhepi, and Richard Mille, this will likely be the biggest Only Watch ever – ironic given the difficult circumstances of its postponement and return.

Chiming Rare Handcrafts

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.

As is tradition for such clockwatches, the movement has twin mainsprings, one for timekeeping and the other for the strikework. The power reserve contained in each barrel is indicated on a pair of fan-shaped displays on the dial.

The sapphire back is printed with “Only Watch 2024”

The case is identical to that of the standard version in dimensions at 44.8 mm by 12.3 mm, making it one of Patek Philippe’s largest watches. This unique version, however, has a steel case, which will make it substantially lighter and more easily wearable than the regular production model that is only available in platinum.

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.

Key facts and price

Patek Philippe Grande and Petite Sonnerie, Minute Repeater, Rare Handcrafts “Only Watch”
Ref. 6301A-010

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

Movement: GS 36-750 PS IRM
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds, grande and petite sonnerie, minute repeater, and power reserve indicators for movement and striking function
Frequency: 25,200 beats per hour (3.5Hz)
Winding: Manual wind
Power reserve: 72 hours for timekeeping, 24 hours for strikework

Strap: Alligator with steel folding clasp

The Patek Philippe Grand Sonnerie ‘Only Watch’ ref. 6301A-010 has an estimate of CHF1.5-1.8 million. It’s lot 32 in Only Watch 2024 that takes place on May 10, 2024 at Palexpo in Geneva. For more, visit Christies.com.