Patek Philippe watches are some of the world’s most luxurious and exquisite watches. They have a long and prestigious history, dating back to 1839 when Patek Philippe was founded by two Frenchmen, Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe. The company has since become known for its high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and exclusive and expensive designs.
Purchasing a Patek Philippe watch is not as simple as buying any other watch. You will be dealing with Patek Philippe’s in-house watchmakers, some of the most skilled and experienced in the world. They will take time to get to know you and your preferences to create a bespoke watch that is perfect for you.
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So you need to do a lot of research and ask around before purchasing your very own Patek Philippe watch. Here, we will give you everything you need to know about Patek Philippe watches, from their history to their most iconic designs. We hope that this will help you when it comes to purchasing your own ambitious Patek Philippe watch.
History of Patek Philippe watches
Patek Philippe watches have a long history to tell, and it goes back to 1839. Then, two Frenchmen, Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek, founded the company in Geneva. The company’s name was Patek, Czapek & Cie, and the company was making pocket watches at that time.
Unfortunately, in 1844, François Czapek left the company because of increasing disagreement between the two. Due to their separation, the company liquidated. However, de Patek didn’t give up that easily, and he found a new partner, Juliusz Gruzewski, and renamed the company Patek & Co in May 1844.
One year after, Adrien Philippe joined the company in 1845, the inventor of the revolutionary keyless winding mechanism. The same year, the company patented a keyless winding and hand-setting system. In 1951, the company underwent a name change again and was renamed Patek, Philippe & Cie.
In the same year, the Patek, Philippe & Cie participated in the Great Exhibition of London in 1951, where its products were greatly admired by many, including Queen Victoria herself. Apart from this watch, the Queen of England also had another Patek Philippe watch with diamonds usually attached to her clothing.
In 1968, almost 30 years after the company started, they made our first Swiss wristwatch for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. The timepiece was crafted with gold and had an automatic movement- making it very luxurious, and it also featured a white dial which added to its elegant appeal.
This is the short history of the great Patek Philippe watches. As you can see, the company has a long history and legacy, dating back almost 180 years. Patek Philippe is a name that is synonymous with luxury, prestige, and exclusivity. If you are looking for an exceptional watch, then a Patek Philippe watch should be at the top of your list, just like Rolex or Omega.
| 1839 | Patek Philippe Launched |
| 1845 | Patented keyless winding & hand-setting system |
| 1851 | The company renamed Patek, Philippe & Cie |
| 1868 | Made the first Swiss wristwatch |
| 1881 | Patented precision regulator |
| 1889 | Perpetual calendar mechanism patent |
| 1902 | Double chronograph patent |
| 1916 | Launched first ladies’ wristwatch with complication |
| 1923 | Launched the first split-second chronograph |
| 1925 | Made first perpetual calendar wristwatch |
| 1932 | Jean and Charles Henri Stern Brothers invest in the company |
| 1944 | Won the first price for precision in the Geneva Observatory competition |
| 1949 | Patented Gyromax balance |
| 1953 | Self-winding mechanism caliber 12-600 Patented |
| 1956 | Made the world’s first all-electronic clock |
| 1959 | Time-zone watches patented |
| 1977 | Ultra-thin automatic caliber 240 patented |
Patek Philippe watches Movements
- Manual winding
- Self-winding
- Quartz watches
Quartz watches are powered by the battery, whereas manual and self-winding watches are powered by the movement of your wrist while wearing them. There’s really no difference in terms of timekeeping accuracy between quartz and mechanical watches, but there are some key differences that make each type special in its own way. At the same time, Rolex creates both battery-powered and winding watches. The Oysterquartz models use batteries, while mechanics power the other Rolex watches.
Are Patek Philippe watches good investments?
Patek Philippe is a name that is synonymous with luxury, prestige, and exclusivity. Luxury watches such as Rolex and Patek Philippe watches are a great investment. The value of these luxury watches tends to appreciate over time, so you can expect to sell these watches for more than what you paid for them originally. With that said, if you are buying Patek Philippe watches for investment purposes, then you should carefully choose the models that have the potential to appreciate in value over time.
If you look at the most expensive watches sold on auction, the Patek Philippe watches usually fetch the highest prices. For example, in November 2019, the Patek Philippe Ref. 6300A-010 sold for a record-breaking price of $31,000,000 at an auction in Geneva. This iconic watch was introduced in 2014 by the company on its 175th anniversary.
Another rare Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph watch sold for $11,112,020 at an auction in Geneva Watch Auction in November 2016. This watch was made in 1943 and had stainless steel gay Freres rice beads bracelet.
If you come to Aisa, the Patek Philippe Star Calibre 2000 (Ref. 990/1) watch got over 3.28 million US dollars in an auction at Christie’s in Hong Kong in November 2012, becoming the most expensive watch ever auctioned in Asia. It is one of only four known examples of the Ref. 990/1, making it a very rare and sought-after timepiece among collectors.
Popular Patek Philippe watch models.
- Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time 5990/1A-001
- Patek Philippe Nautilus Self-Winding Rose Gold 5712R-001
- Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time 5164A-001
- Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167R-001
- Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A Blue Dial
1. Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time 5990/1A-001
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time 5990/1A-001 is a beautifully crafted timepiece, and it is the first watch to bring chronograph functions to a wristwatch. The watch has two time zones, which makes it ideal for keeping track of the time in different parts of the world.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time 5990/1A-001 was first introduced in 2014, and it is powered by the Automatic self-winding caliber CH 28-520 C FUS movements. The watch has a power reserve of 55 hours and is water resistant to 120 meters(400 feet).
2. Patek Philippe Nautilus Self-Winding Rose Gold 5712R-001
The Nautilus Self-Winding Rose Gold 5712R-001 is another beautiful luxury watch from the company. It comes with an 18-carrot Rose gold finish case, with a diameter of 40 mm and a thickness of just 8.52 mm, which gives it a sleek and elegant look.
The Nautilus Self-Winding Rose Gold 5712R-001 has become a famous model among watch lovers since its release in 1976. The watch is powered by self-winding caliber 240 PS IRM C LU mechanical movement and is water resistant to 60 meters (196 feet).
3. Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time 5164A-001
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time 5164A-001 is a watch designed for travelers. This watch looks similar to the Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time 5990/1A-001, but it does not have that 60-minute chronograph complication.
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time 5164A-001 was first introduced in 1997, and its rounded octagon design became popular among luxury watch lovers. The Aquanaut Travel Time 5164A-001 is powered by self-winding caliber 26‑330 S C FUS mechanical movement with a power reserve of 48 hours.
4. Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167R-001
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167R-001 was first introduced in 2007. It has a round, stainless steel case with a diameter of 40.8 mm and a thickness of 10.2 mm. This luxury watch has a date window at the 3 O’clock position, and it is powered by self-winding caliber 26‑330 S C FUS mechanical movement with a power reserve of 45 hours.
The Sapphire crystal case back of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167R-001 allows you to see the watch’s inner workings. The watch is water-resistant up to a depth of 120 meters (400 feet) and is salt water and UV rays.
Where to buy a Patek Philippe watch?
If you are thinking of purchasing a Patek Philippe watch, you can find authorized dealers in your city or country. You can also buy pre-owned Patek Philippe watches from online retailers like WatchBox, Chrono24, and Bob’s Watches.
Since replicas and fake watches are also available in the market, it is important to buy from an authorized dealer to ensure that you get a genuine Patek Philippe watch. So don’t rush! Take your time to research, find an authorized dealer near you, and buy your dream timepiece.
FAQs about Patek Philippe watches
When it comes to Patek Philip watches, people often have many questions. Below, we have compiled a list of Patek Philippe watch frequently asked questions for you.
1. Who owns Patek Philippe?
The Stern family in Switzerland currently owns Patek Philippe. The family has been involved with the company since 1932 and took over full ownership in 1963.
2. What are Patek Philippe watches made of?
Patek Philippe watches are usually made of 18-karat gold, although platinum and stainless steel watches are available.
3. Are Patek Philippe watches expensive?
Yes, the Patek Philippe is one of the world’s most expensive and luxurious watch brands. A basic model can start at around $5,000, while a rare limited edition can sell for millions of dollars.
4. Is Patek Philippe better than Rolex?
It is a difficult question to answer as both brands are considered among the best in the world. If you look at the price point, the Patek Philippe watches fetch a higher value than Rolex.
5. Where are Patek Philippe watches made?
Patek Philippe watches are made in Geneva, Switzerland. All the watch movements and other parts are made in-house, giving the company complete control over quality.
Final Words
Patek Philippe watches are some of the world’s most luxurious and expensive watches. They have a long history and are known for their high-quality craftsmanship. Like Rolex, the Patek Philippe brand is synonymous with luxury and status. If you are thinking of buying a Patek Philippe watch, make sure to purchase from an authorized dealer to ensure authenticity.
I hope this article on Patek Philippe watches has helped you learn more about Patek Philippe watches.
Saneesh VS is a tech and fitness enthusiast. He has been reviewing smartwatches and fitness trackers for the past few years and is passionate about it. He writes about the latest news in the industry, helpful tips, and buying guides. You can find him working out or spending time with his family when he’s not writing or reviewing gadgets.