(Star Caliber 2000; Photo courtesy of Patek Philippe)

There are scant opportunities in life for a true watch-lover to ogle the full spectrum of Patek Philippe timepieces. But for three days this week in NYC, the most extensive collection of Pateks ever exhibited this side of the Alps will be on view on the fifth floor of the Tiffany & Co. flagship. Four hundred pieces were selected to represent the company's 169-year history -- from an 1850 pocket watch to the very first Swiss wristwatch to the Star Caliber 2000 -- many of which have never before left the land of chocolate and cheese. The exhibit opens to the public on Thursday, April 24, and closes Saturday, April 26. (Its next and last stop will be Beverly Hills, where the collection will be on display at the Four Seasons Hotel from May 16 to May 18.) Could there be any better way to squander a balmy spring afternoon? --SARA JAMES

(The First Swiss Wristwatch; Photo courtesy of Patek Philippe)

(La Madonna della Sedia; Photo courtesy of Patek Philippe)

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