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Before the 19th century, China had been considered as the most powerful and richest country in the world. So at that time, European watchmakers, goldsmiths, painters on enamel and engravers came together in order to create these true works of art intended to seduce the Chinese dignitaries. To some degree, the global reputation of Swiss timepieces had its roots at the close commercial relationship with the Orient.
Under the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1736 to 1796), Swiss watchmakers gradually began to establish their own trade relations with China, as the Genevan luxury watchmaking industry played an important role and at the turn of the century evolved to become the preferred purveyor of timepieces for the Chinese Empire. Many Swiss watchmakers took up residence in China until trade relations collapsed with the eruption of the First Opium War, fought between 1839 and 1842.
To demonstrate the important part of history of Swiss Watch, an exceptional thematic exhibition “The Mirror of Seduction” is being held at the Patek Philippe Museum, from 15th May to 16th October 2010. Presented in the museum are those crafted explicitly for the Chinese market from the mid-18th century until about 1850. These “Chinese” watches are highly varied, depicting religious, mythological, and purely secular themes.
VISITOR INFORMATION
PATEK PHILIPPE MUSEUM
Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7
CH – 1205 Geneva
Tel.: + 41 (0)22 807 09 10
Fax: + 41 (0)22 807 09 20
www.patekmuseum.com
info@patekmuseum.com
OPENING HOURS
Tuesday to Friday: 2 PM to 6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Closed on public holidays
Opening hours extended to 8 PM every first Tuesday of the month from June to October
TOURS AND OTHER INFORMATION
Public tours on Saturdays and days with extended opening hours, every half hour starting at 2:30 PM
Private tours on appointment. Enquiries: visit@patekmuseum.com
Group conferences on appointment at 7 PM every first Tuesday of the month from June to October
