Article of the week
The New Patek Philippe Twenty~4 7340/1R Perpetual Calendar

Introduced in 1999, the Twenty~4 collection was Patek Philippe’s first dedicated line of feminine timepieces. The original model featured an Art Deco-inspired manchette (cuff) design, but in 2018, the brand unveiled the Twenty~4 Automatic, which is a round-cased iteration powered by an automatic movement. This year, Patek Philippe elevates the collection further by introducing a perpetual calendar complication, marking the collection's debut in the realm of Grand Complications.
Crafted entirely in 18K rose gold, the watch features a 36mm case with a slender profile of just 9.95mm, making it sit gracefully on the wrist. The case is meticulously finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Two dial options are available. The Ref. 7340/1R-001 features a silvery opaline dial with a vertical satin finish, evoking the texture of shantung silk that feature irregular texture, while the Ref. 7340/1R-010 presents an olive green sunburst dial for a more contemporary appeal.

Universal Genève

In December 2023, Universal Genève, a historic Swiss watchmaker celebrated for its iconic chronographs and innovations, found new life under the ownership of Breitling. The acquisition, brokered by Breitling’s parent company Partners Group, involved purchasing Universal Genève from Stelux Holdings for approximately 60 million Swiss francs. Although Universal Genève and Breitling will operate independently, the acquisition aligns with Breitling CEO Georges Kern’s vision of reviving prestigious watch brands and reintroducing them to modern audiences​

Founded in 1894, Universal Genève once held a prominent place alongside leading Swiss watch brands. However, it faded from the market due to ownership changes and financial difficulties, last operating under Stelux since 1989. With this acquisition, Kern intends to respect Universal Genève’s legacy while carefully navigating its revival, promising a “meticulous labor of love” to honor its storied past. The renewed focus on classic designs and a recent website relaunch are early indicators of this anticipated comeback​