A chance to marvel at a carefully curated private collection of timepieces including Patek Philippe, Francois-Paul Journe and Kari Voutilainen.
This week from the 19th-25th of May, many long-awaiting watch fans will be flocking to see the inaugural display of The OAK Collection: a one-of-a-kind collection that represents 40 years of watch collecting passion. An exhibition, which was meant to have taken place in December 2021 but fell prey to COVID.
For just one week, visitors at the London Design Museum will have the chance to see some incredibly rare and truly one-of-a-kind pieces amassed by a single collector, from simple three-hand models to more complicated timepieces. The exhibit will is divided into 11 sections, each representing a 'chapter of time' and the collector's appreciation for a specific type of watch.
Patrick Getreide and his OAK collection - Image credit London Design Museum.
The collector, Mr Patrick Getreide from Paris, has curated 168 'best--of-the-best' watches out of his 500-strong collection, selected for their beauty rarity and significance to the horology. So you can expect to see many pieces by Patek Philipe. In fact, you'll see the largest collection of Patek Philippe watches once owned by Henry Graves, Jr - one of the world's most famous Patek Philipe collections.
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar, Chronograph and World Time as part of The OAK Collection - Image credit OAK Collection.
This will also be the first time a private collector has created an exhibition of their own watch collection. This gives the public the opportunity to see some incredibly unique timepieces, otherwise hidden away in safes or briefly brought out at auctions.
The Oak Collection exhibit at the London Design Museum - image credit London Design Museum
Mr Patrick Getreide welcomed his special guests with an opportunity to delve into the exclusive preview of the curated private collection prior to public opening. The exhibition was officially declared open with a traditional ribbon-cutting moment presented by Mr Patrick Getreide, the Swiss ambassador Markus Leitner, Tim Marlow CEO & Director of the Design Museum, exhibition curator Nick Foulkes and Lord Peter Mandelson Chairman of the Design Museum.
The Oak Collection - image credit London Design Museum.
You don't need to book a ticket for your visit as this is a free exhibition, but if you would like to find out more you can check out the London Design Museum's website. If you're unable to attend The OAK Collection this week, the exhibit will also be held at the Bahrain National Museum in Manama, as well as in China and the USA - dates and locations are TBD.
