Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe is one of the world’s most prestigious and oldest watch manufacturers, founded in 1839 by Polish watchmaker Antoni Norbert de Patek. In 1845, he partnered with Adrien Philippe, and the company was formally established as Patek Philippe in 1851, setting the stage for the brand’s illustrious history of watchmaking excellence.
Patek Philippe’s classical and refined approach to watchmaking is evident in every timepiece, with an exceptional level of craftsmanship in every detail. The brand is known for its unparalleled enameling technique, unmatched by any other watchmaker.
The Calatrava’s timeless elegance is reflected in its classic round faces, while the Nautilus and Aquanaut models, with their signature “porthole” design, cater to sport-watch enthusiasts. With over 200 different models, Patek Philippe offers a watch for every taste and occasion.
Patek Philippe’s exceptional quality, prestige, and savoir-faire have made it a symbol of taste, class, and wealth, adorning the wrists of celebrities and royalty alike. Its rich heritage, artistry, and unrivaled quality continue to set the bar in the world of horology.
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About the brand
Patek Philippe
The Founder
It’s safe to say that no other brand in the luxury watch industry is as universally revered or respected as Patek Philippe. The heavyweight reigns supreme in all areas – from reputation to quality, to prestige and savoir-faire.
One of the oldest manufacturers in the world, Patek Philippe, was founded in 1839 by Polish watchmaker Antoni Norbert de Patek, who began producing pocket watches in Geneva. In 1845, he joined forces with Adrien Philippe, son of a watchmaker, who was equally well-versed in the craft. The company was eventually established as Patek Philippe in 1851.
In 1932, Charles Stern and Jean Stern, who owned a dial manufacture and one of Patek Philippe's suppliers, acquired the company during the Great Depression. The current president Thierry Stern, representing the fourth generation of the Stern Family currently leads the company. Under the Stern family's stewardship, Patek Philippe has maintained its reputation as one of the world's most prestigious watchmakers, known for its craftsmanship, innovation, and continuity. The company is now reportedly worth up to $10 billion USD, with the Stern family worth around $3 billion USD.
As one of the few family-owned independent watch manufacturers in the Swiss watch industry, it allows a significant degree of freedom in the design and production of its watches. This independence is a key component of Patek Philippe's identity and allows the firm to maintain its traditions while also pursuing long-term creative and technical innovation.
History
Patek Philippe’s approach to watchmaking is classical and refined. The maison implements an extraordinary level of craftsmanship into every timepiece; their enameling, in particular, is unrivaled by any other brand. The oldest known surviving Patek Philippe watch is believed to be a pocket watch made in 1839, numbered 63. This watch is significant because it dates back to the very earliest days of the company's history. The watch number 63 is a key-wound pocket watch featuring a quarter repeater mechanism (which chimes the hours and quarter hours when a lever is pressed), a jumping seconds hand (a rare complication at the time), and is made of 18K gold. It exemplifies the high craftsmanship and innovation that Patek Philippe became renowned for even in its early years. The manufacturer, venturing into their 'modern' era, also excels in creating chiming watches, Complications, and Grand Complications – turning wristwatches into intricate, wearable pieces of art.
The brand’s extensive line-up of world-firsts includes the invention of the watch crown in 1844, which revolutionized the mechanism of watch-winding. Prior to this, movements were usually wound with a key. In 1925, Patek Philippe introduced the first wristwatch with a perpetual calendar. It also shattered the world record for the highest price ever paid for a wristwatch in 2019. The Grandmaster Chime 6300A-010 hammered in at CHF 31 million at the Only Watch auction in 2019.
Iconic Models and Watches
Nautilus 5711/1A, Nautilus 5740G, Calatrava Pilot Travel Time, Aquanaut 5167, Grand Complications 5270G
Frequently Asked Questions
Patek Philippe watches are popular due to their exceptional quality, rich heritage, limited production, innovation, and investment value. Their reputation as a symbol of prestige and exclusivity has contributed to their enduring popularity and desirability among collectors and watch enthusiasts.
Patek Philippe’s Nautilus and Aquanaut are two of the brand’s most celebrated and iconic sports watches. While sharing some similarities, they have distinct differences in design, features, and price.
In terms of design, the Nautilus presents a classic and sophisticated appearance with a horizontally grooved dial and a unique porthole-shaped bezel. On the other hand, the Aquanaut offers a modern and youthful look with a textured dial and a simplified, rounded bezel.
Regarding their features, the Aquanaut includes a second-time zone function and a day/night indicator. In contrast, the Nautilus is available in a broader range of complications, such as chronograph, moon phase, and power reserve.
Finally, the Nautilus is generally regarded as the more expensive of the two models, with prices ranging from around US$30,000 to over US$100,000, while the Aquanaut is relatively more affordable, priced between approximately US$20,000 to US$60,000.
The cost of a new entry-level Patek Philippe watch typically begins at approximately US$20,000 to US$25,000, while more intricate and exclusive models may exceed US$1 million in price. It is important to bear in mind that pricing may fluctuate significantly depending on various factors, such as scarcity, condition, and historical significance.
Determining the most challenging Patek Philippe watch to purchase depends on several factors, such as rarity, demand, and production volume. Some highly coveted models include the Patek Philippe Nautilus in steel, the Grand Complications Chronograph, the Aquanaut, and the Annual Calendar Chronograph. Ultimately, the challenge of acquiring a particular Patek Philippe model varies depending on individual preferences and current market trends.
At Wristcheck, we offer service and repair for watches, and our Wristcheck grading system provides an additional level of assurance to our customers. To have your watch serviced and graded by our experts, please contact us to book an appointment.
The waitlist time for a Patek Philippe watch varies depending on the model and demand. Highly exclusive models may have waitlists of 7-15 years, while less exclusive models may be available immediately or within a few months of placing an order.
Patek Philippe watches are coveted by collectors and watch enthusiasts, and their desirability has contributed to the appreciation of their timepieces over time. Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that the appreciation of Patek Philippe watches is not universal, and past performance does not always indicate future returns. As such, it is highly recommended that prospective watch investors conduct thorough research before making any purchase decisions.
At Wristcheck, we employ a rigorous and thorough authentication process to ensure the authenticity of every watch we sell. Our Swiss-trained watch specialists meticulously examine every detail of the watch to ensure that it meets our high standards. We offer authentication services for watches, and our Wristcheck grading system provides an additional level of assurance to our customers. To have your watch authenticated and graded by our experts, please contact us to book an appointment.
Patek Philippe provides a warranty period of two years from the date of purchase for all new Patek Philippe watches. In addition, Wristcheck offers a 12-month warranty for each eligible watch, on top of any remaining Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) warranty that may apply.
The Nautilus collection is known for its sporty yet elegant designs, featuring iconic porthole-shaped cases and integrated bracelets. Some popular watches in this family include the Nautilus 5711/1A-010, the Nautilus 5712/1A-001, and the Nautilus 5980/1A-019.
The Aquanaut collection is designed for the modern adventurer, featuring a boldly styled case and a comfortable rubber strap. Some popular watches in this family include the Aquanaut 5167/1A-001, the Aquanaut 5168G-001, and the Aquanaut 5968A-001.
The Calatrava collection is known for its timeless elegance and understated design, featuring a classic round case and simple dial. Some popular watches in this family include the Calatrava 5196J-001, the Calatrava 5227G-010, and the Calatrava 6006G-001.
Vintage Patek Philippe watches pay tribute to Patek Philippe’s rich heritage, featuring classic designs from the brand’s archives. Some popular watches include the Ref. 1463 Chronograph, the Ref. 1518 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, and the Ref. 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph.
The Complications collection showcases Patek Philippe’s expertise in watchmaking, featuring watches with complex mechanical functions such as perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, and tourbillons. Some popular watches in this family include the Grand Complications 5208T-010, the Sky Moon Tourbillon 6002G-001, and the Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 5270/1R-001.
It's possible to buy a Patek Philippe at retail price, but it can be difficult due to high demand and limited availability. Often, purchasing at retail price requires a good relationship with an authorized dealer and potentially a long waitlist.
Patek Philippe produces approximately 60,000 watches per year.
One of the most famous was his Patek Philippe 2499/100, which was auctioned in 2012. This watch sold for over $3.6 million. Note that the exact value of any specific watch can vary based on auction dynamics, condition, provenance, and market interest at the time of sale.
Both Patek Philippe and Rolex excel in different areas: Patek Philippe is renowned for its exclusivity and craftsmanship, while Rolex is celebrated for its durability and strong brand recognition. The choice of "better" depends on individual preferences for luxury, reliability, or investment potential.
Patek Philippe watches are priced high due to their craftsmanship, exclusivity, and the brand's reputation in the luxury watch market. Whether they are overpriced is subjective and depends on individual valuation of these factors.
No, Patek Philippe is not owned by Rolex. Patek Philippe is an independent company, while Rolex is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation.
Generally, Patek Philippe watches are more expensive than Rolex watches. This is due to Patek's highly intricate craftsmanship, exclusivity, and limited production numbers. Patek Philippe also has a strong presence in the high-end auction market with record-breaking sales prices for rare models.
Many celebrities own Patek Philippe watches, such as; Brad Pitt, Lebron James, John Mayer, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Tom Brady, and much more.
Patek Philippe produces approximately 60,000 watches per year. This production figure highlights the brand's focus on quality and exclusivity, as it is relatively low compared to some other luxury watchmakers.
Yes, but availability may be limited and some models may have waiting lists at authorized dealers. Alternatively, you can purchase from the secondary market, often at a premium.
Patek Philippe is worn by a wide range of individuals, including business executives, collectors, and celebrities. Some notable wearers include Brad Pitt, LeBron James, Messi and more. These watches are favored for their craftsmanship, exclusivity, and status.
Patek Philippe is worn by a wide range of individuals, including business executives, collectors, and celebrities. Some notable wearers include Brad Pitt, LeBron James, Messi and more. These watches are favored for their craftsmanship, exclusivity, and status.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus, particularly the reference 5711/1A, is one of the brand's most popular and highest-selling models. Its demand surged due to its iconic design, scarcity, and the announcement of its discontinuation in 2021, which further increased its desirability.
