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 making them great investment watches.
- 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.
Related Guides
The Beginners Guide to Patek Philippe Watches
One of Patek Philippe's mottos is "You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation."
Investing in Watches - Should You Invest in a Second Hand Watch?
Find out why pre-owned watches are so popular and how a pre-loved watch could be a timeless investment for you.
