This year, Revolution turns 20. Two decades of chronicling watches, people and ideas have given us a front-row seat to a remarkable story: how an age-old craft has both preserved its soul and reinvented itself for the 21st century. To celebrate, we’ve chosen over 100 names and milestones that, for us, define the era so far. From leaders to watches, you can see the whole list here.

Affable, conversational and charmingly avuncular, Thierry Stern exudes bonhomie. But underlying all this is a highly capable leader that has brought Patek Philippe to the highest level of desirability and brand awareness in the entirety of its history. Since passing his “graduation exam” by creating the Reference 5970, Stern has gone on to guide Patek Philippe with confidence and success. He has also ensured a balance in his product offer, despite the crazed popularity and desire for his Nautilus and Aquanaut models. He continues the Advanced Research Project established by his father, bringing innovation into horology with timepieces like the Ref. 5650 with compliant time-setting mechanism and the Ref. 5750P minute repeater with sound amplification system.

The ref. 5970 reminds Thierry Stern of a fond memory about his grandfather (©Revolution)

Advanced Research Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5650G-001 (©Revolution)

Patek Philippe “Advanced Research” Minute Repeater Ref. 5750P

Based on the last Morgan Stanley × Luxe Consult report, Patek’s turnover in 2024 was just over 2 billion Swiss francs at wholesale, but the true value of this incredible maison, which is to this day the gold standard in Swiss high watchmaking, is priceless. Stern has done an excellent job in retaining that position. Today, his sons represent the next generation of Patek’s leadership and are being ably guided by their father to fulfill their destinies.