Patek Philippe Watches - A Collector's Choice In Time
- Patek Philippe was founded in 1839 in Geneva, Switzerland, by watchmakers Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe.
- The company's motto is "You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation," emphasising their focus on creating enduring timepieces.
- Patek Philippe is one of the oldest independent, family-owned watch manufacturers in the world.
- The brand is renowned for producing some of the most complicated and intricate mechanical watches ever made.
- Patek Philippe watches are considered some of the most prestigious and sought-after timepieces in the luxury watch industry.
- The Calibre 89, created in 1989 to mark Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary, is one of the most complicated mechanical watches ever made, with 33 complications.
- Patek Philippe holds numerous records for high prices achieved at watch auctions, including the most expensive watch ever sold at auction, the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which sold for over $31 million.
- The company is known for its commitment to in-house manufacturing, producing nearly all of its components, including movements and cases, within its workshops.
- Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and Tchaikovsky were among the notable historical figures who owned Patek Philippe watches.
- Patek Philippe has been granted over 100 patents for various innovations in watchmaking.
- The Calatrava, introduced in 1932, is one of Patek Philippe's most iconic and enduring watch collections, known for its minimalist and timeless design.
- Patek Philippe has a strong tradition of creating watches for women, with collections like the Twenty~4 and the Ladies' Complications series.
- The Nautilus, designed by Gerald Genta, is one of Patek Philippe's most recognizable and popular collections, characterized by its porthole-shaped case.
- Patek Philippe introduced the first wristwatch with a perpetual calendar in 1925, a groundbreaking achievement in horology.
- The Patek Philippe Seal, introduced in 2009, is a quality certification that exceeds the standards of the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
- The company is known for its expertise in hand-finishing and decorative techniques, such as engraving and enamelling, which add a level of artistry to their watches.
- Patek Philippe's Grand Complications collection includes watches with features like minute repeaters, tourbillons, and celestial displays.
- The brand is committed to preserving historical timepieces and has an extensive collection of vintage Patek Philippe watches in its museum in Geneva.
- Patek Philippe's watches have been featured in notable films and television shows, further cementing their status as icons of horology.
- Patek Philippe remains a family-owned company, with the Stern family taking over ownership in 1932 and continuing to lead the brand to this day.
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