Patek Philippe Minute Repeater 5278 Electric Guitar Ref. 5278/50R-011

The Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts 5278/50R-011 5278/50R-011 debuted in 2026 as a limited series of ten pieces built around the minute repeater reference 5278 and distinguished by a dial in wood marquetry. Executed in rose gold, it takes the electric guitar as its subject, translating the forms and construction details of the instrument into a dial composition assembled from multiple wood species. Its case is crafted in rose gold and measures 42 mm in diameter with a thickness of 10.74 mm. The watch is humidity- and dust-protected only and is delivered with interchangeable solid and sapphire crystal case backs. As with other Rare Handcrafts executions based on this reference, the external architecture remains restrained, leaving the emphasis on the dial work and the underlying chiming movement. The dial is executed in wood marquetry and reproduces an electric guitar with a high level of detail, including the strings, vibrato system, pickguard, and the reflected “Patek Philippe” signature on the body. To create this image, the marquetry maker assembled 336 veneer pieces together with 18 inlays, using 17 species of wood selected for their colour, texture, and grain. Some of these woods are directly associated with guitar making, reinforcing the link between the subject and the medium used to depict it. Time is indicated by rose gold dauphine hands. Inside is the self-winding calibre R 27, a minute repeater movement with two cathedral gongs. The movement measures 28 mm in diameter and 5.05 mm in thickness, consists of 327 parts, uses 39 jewels, and operates at 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour. It is wound by an off-centre guilloched 22K gold mini-rotor and offers a power reserve ranging from 43 to 48 hours. The regulating organ comprises a Gyromax balance and Spiromax balance spring, and the movement bears the Patek Philippe Seal. The watch is fitted with a hand-stitched caramel brown calfskin strap, its colour chosen to align with the dial palette.