A closer look at Messi's watch, worth nearly $40 billion, with two rare mechanisms.
Lionel Messi's appearance with the Patek Philippe Grand Complications 5531R, valued at approximately $1.5 million (nearly 40 billion VND), has garnered attention. Unveiling one of the most complex watches in the world of horology.
According to The Trillionaire Life magazine, the 5531R model belongs to the Grand Complications series. A category of watches aimed at collectors who appreciate complexity and craftsmanship.
The 5531R-012, also known as the Lake Geneva – Beijing Edition. It features a 40.2 mm rose gold case, a dial depicting the Lavaux vineyard next to Lake Geneva. And a handmade alligator leather strap.
The watch features a cloisonné enamel dial, entirely handmade and resistant only to moisture and dust, not water. A feature often found in models with a strong artistic emphasis.
The dial's details mimic a miniature landscape. They are created using a technique involving thin gold threads and repeated firing of enamel powder. The finished product looks more like a work of art than an industrial product.
This watch model simultaneously incorporates two special mechanisms: world time and minute repeater.
Around it is the world time bezel displaying 24 cities, allowing the user to track global time.
Usually, the minute repeater mechanism operates independently. However, on the 5531R, the striking of the hour always corresponds to the local time zone. A patented technical achievement.
When activated, small hammers strike the internal bell. Creating the sound that signals the hour, quarter hours, and minutes. To achieve accuracy and harmony, every detail, such as the curvature and length of the bell, must be manually adjusted.
Inside the mechanism, there's a combination of dozens of components – from gears and levers to springs – that work harmoniously as an integrated system. Collectors call it «mechanical poetry,» meaning the mechanism operates «with soul,» like a living work of art.
The fact that Messi wears this watch helps to bring the 5531R closer to the public, however, its value does not depend on the celebrity factor.
Patek Philippe has long been known for its limited production and strict manufacturing standards. Each watch undergoes a long process of hand-finishing, making the number of watches on the market extremely rare.
It's worth noting that the design of the 5531R maintains its simplicity. Despite housing a complex mechanism, the dial remains balanced and elegant, reflecting the philosophy of traditional Swiss watches: perfection is reserved only for the discerning observer.
In an era where luxury watches are typically associated with celebrity endorsements, the 5531R stands out as a rare model with intrinsic value strong enough to conquer the collector's world.
Source: vietnam.vn
