Patek Philippe & Cortina Watch
A lasting partnership began over sixty years ago when Mr. Anthony Lim met Mr. Henri Stern and Mr. Philippe Stern. What began with mechanical timepieces from Plan-les-Ouates evolved into a legacy of kinship, passed down through generations, transcending business to become a bond rooted in family.
Across three generations, the relationship between the Lim and Stern families has extended far beyond business. United by common values and a passion for preserving the traditions of Swiss watchmaking, both families have worked together to champion horological excellence throughout Southeast Asia.
Today, the partnership between Patek Philippe and Cortina Watch stands as one of the most enduring in the luxury watch industry – a testament to the strength of family-owned enterprises, long-term vision, and relationships built to last.
The First Patek Philippe Authorized Retailer
The 1970s was a period of disruption for the Swiss mechanical watch industry. Nevertheless, the two like-minded family-owned companies kept their course. Mr. Stern deepened his investment and production of mechanical calibres, keeping fidelity to the art of fine watchmaking, while Mr. Anthony Lim established Cortina Watch in 1972 emphasizing on mechanical watches, and subsequently became the first Singapore authorized retailer for Patek Philippe in 1978.
A Time of Perseverance and Strategic Planning
The close relationship and steadfast mannerism of both respective company heads and heads of family saw them through the halcyon years of the 1980s, a time of economic disruption and market correction.
Exclusive Boutique Concept
In the 2000s, Mr. Raymond Lim, the eldest son of Mr. Anthony Lim, was instrumental in pioneering the shop-in-shop concept in Singapore’s up and coming new malls like Paragon, Raffles City and Millenia Walk. The success of these boutiques would eventually lay the groundwork for stand-alone Patek Philippe boutiques in the little red dot.
Opening of the Patek Philippe Boutique
Even in times of the global financial crisis (2007-2008), both young heirs of the families, Mr. Thierry Stern and Mr. Jeremy Lim, share simpatico world views and such resilient bond that when Jeremy mooted the idea to open a Patek Philippe boutique at the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, it was proceeded on the foundation of trust and faith in 2010.
Expansion of Footprint in Asia
This treasured relationship allowed Cortina Watch to expand Patek Philippe’s foothold in Southeast Asia: running six specialist boutiques across the regions; and facilitated the expansion of Patek Philippe’s ION Orchard in 2016, making it the largest Patek Philippe boutique in Southeast Asia. With its private rooms and VIP lounges, it can easily be considered Singapore’s answer to the famed Geneva salon.
A Testimony in the Form of a Timepiece
Special bonds encourage special tribute editions. In 1997, Mr. Philippe Stern proposed the idea for a Ref. 5057 as an anniversary piece in celebration of Cortina Watch’s 25th Jubilee.
Produced in a limited edition of 100 pieces, the Patek Philippe Cortina Jubilee 5057R 18K Rose Gold Limited Edition Automatic was not just acknowledgement of one of the most prominent watch retailers in the country, but also recognition between two dignified gentlemen who had seen their fortunes rise in concert with each other.
A Watch Speaks Louder Than Words
In 2015, Mr. Philippe Stern himself made a special trip to Singapore to celebrate Mr Anthony Lim’s 80th Birthday, presenting a white gold Calatrava Ref. 5227 featuring providential engraving on the case back: “Happy 80th Birthday, Philippe et Thierry Stern”.
A Special Commemoration
25 years after Patek Philippe created a special edition Ref. 5057 for Cortina Watch, the two partners decided to celebrate the retailer’s 50th anniversary with a new limited edition watch based on the original model in 1997, with a contemporary design.
For this jubilee moment, Patek Philippe further presented a unique Dome Clock, featuring Singapore’s urban landscape in a complex splash of 50 enamel colours with a firework display on the dome.
Looking to the Future
Over the decades, Patek Philippe and Cortina Watch have celebrated numerous milestones together, from the opening of landmark boutiques across the region to the creation of exclusive timepieces commemorating shared achievements. Yet, the foundation of the relationship has remained unchanged: mutual trust, shared values, and a commitment to preserving the art of watchmaking for future generations.
This spirit continues to shape new chapters in the partnership. The opening of the Patek Philippe boutique at The Starhill in Kuala Lumpur marked an important milestone for both families, reaffirming their shared commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for collectors in Southeast Asia.
Building on this momentum, the opening of the Patek Philippe boutique at One Bangkok represents another significant chapter in the story. As the manufacture’s first duplex boutique in Southeast Asia, it embodies a shared vision for the future while reflecting the values of craftsmanship, hospitality, and excellence that have guided the partnership for decades.
Seven Decades and Counting
More than seventy years after the beginning of a remarkable friendship, the relationship between the Stern and Lim families continues to thrive across generations. What started with a shared appreciation for fine watchmaking has grown into one of the most enduring partnerships in the world of haute horlogerie.
From father to son, and now to future generations, the true legacy of this relationship lies not only in the mechanical masterpieces born in Plan-les-Ouates, but in the trust, respect, and kinship cultivated over decades. It is a legacy that transcends business, connecting two families through a shared passion and common purpose.
Today, the story of Patek Philippe and Cortina Watch is not simply one of business success. It is the story of a friendship that has endured through generations, proving that the most meaningful partnerships are built not only on shared ambitions, but on enduring relationships forged through the passage of time.