Rarity is a value that Patek Philippe cultivates daily, embedded in the philosophy of excellence that underpins its guiding purpose. Within its Grand Complications collection, the Celestial is undoubtedly the most original model of all, displaying rare astronomical functions with exceptional accuracy and via a unique stage-setting. Reference 6102 – launched in 2012 and which replaced Reference 5102 unveiled in 2002 – is distinguished by the integration of the date display. The Grand Complications Celestial displays what are extremely unusual functions in a wristwatch. It indicates, on a dial that reproduces the exact configuration of the night sky in the northern hemisphere, the apparent movement of the stars – and in particular Sirius, the one that shines brightest – along with the lunar cycle including the position and phases of the moon, as well as the conventional cycle of days and nights. In other words, it combines sidereal time and lunar cycles with mean solar time, which entails inevitable discrepancies and therefore choices when creating the movement. Over 25,000 billion possible variations had to be calculated in order to achieve the smallest possible deviation for each of its astronomical functions. Framed by a generously sized case for a Patek Philippe, the mesmerizing dance of the stars is choreographed by a system of superimposed sapphire disks, all gently rotating at their own pace and creating a superb depth effect. The lowermost blue disk bears the depictions of the moon. The likewise blue middle disk has a round aperture to display the lunar cycle. And the uppermost transparent disk reproduces the sky chart by playing with its two faces, with the Milky Way on the back. Setting the perfect finishing touch, a golden ellipse frames the portion of the sky visible from Geneva. The date, added in 2012, is displayed around the rim so as not to detract from this magical sight. Launched in a platinum version with a blue dial, Grand Complications Reference 6102 was also introduced in a pink gold version with a black dial in 2015 – a bolder creation infused with an additional touch of mystery, and which gains a row of baguette-cut diamonds on its bezel as Reference 6104R.

• Watch with astronomical functions created in 2002, including a chart of the sky above Geneva • Version launched in 2012 integrates the date display