Since creating its first minute repeater pocket watch in 1845, Patek Philippe has established itself as a master "orchestrator" through the ages. In 2020, the new "Minute Repeater Tourbillon Ref. 5303," featuring an open architecture without a dial that allows a view of the intricate details of its construction, was unveiled.

Patek Philippe is the watchmaker that offers the most minute repeater wristwatches in its current collection. Minute repeaters utilize two types of gongs: classic and cathedral. The manufacture has developed models with minute repeaters alone, as well as those combining them with other complications such as perpetual calendars, tourbillons, world timers, and chronographs.

In 2019, the Ref. 5303, the first model in the manufacture's history to reveal its chiming mechanism on the dial side, debuted as a limited edition of 12 pieces at the Watch Art Grand Exhibition Singapore 2019. In 2020, the Minute Repeater Tourbillon Ref. 5303 was added to Patek Philippe's current collection with minor design modifications. This new grand complication, created for lovers of chiming watches, features an open architecture without a dial.

This open architecture allows the wearer to admire the minute repeater mechanism, including the hammers and gongs, while the watch is on the wrist. It also reaffirms Patek Philippe's philosophy of creation. This commitment to transparency extends to the tourbillon, with the underside of the tourbillon carriage visible through the small seconds scale at 6 o'clock. The impression is one of a perfectly miniature painting, contrasting with the 18K rose gold plating of the mainplate.

The manually wound Caliber R TO 27 PS has been modified according to the conventions of skeleton movements, with certain parts hollowed out to achieve perfect aesthetic beauty. Furthermore, each component of the movement, including the mainplate decorated with circular Côtes de Genève and perlage, and the hammers with micro-blasted rotation satin finish, has been meticulously finished in keeping with Patek Philippe's tradition of excellence in hand-finishing. The highly original case, crafted from 18K rose gold, features a domed, broad polished bezel and white gold inserts on the case sides and lugs, adorned with leaf-motif engraving. The white gold slide piece on the left case band, which activates the minute repeater, also incorporates a leaf-shaped motif.

The hour circle is composed of a black-lacquered sapphire crystal ring with powder-finish rose gold dots. The case back, also sapphire crystal, allows a view of the movement, framed by a white gold amphitheater-style structure reminiscent of openwork decoration, echoing the inserts and slide piece.

This timepiece, a remarkable example of high watchmaking, elegance, and meticulous hand-finishing, is also distinguished by the unparalleled acoustic quality characteristic of Patek Philippe minute repeaters. The final auditory approval for each minute repeater is personally guaranteed by President Thierry Stern.