Key Facts about Patek Philippe
- Founded: 1839, Geneva, Switzerland
- Notable Innovation: First Swiss wristwatch (1868), perpetual calendar wristwatch (1925), and pioneering complications like the minute repeater and split-seconds chronograph.
- Family-Owned: Since 1932, owned by the Stern family, ensuring independence in design and production.
- Craftsmanship: Known for in-house movements, hand-finishing, and adherence to the strict Geneva Seal standards.
- Clientele: Favored by royalty, world leaders, and collectors (Queen Victoria, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, and more).
Iconic Models
- Calatrava (1932): The quintessential dress watch, defined by minimalist elegance.
- Nautilus (1976): Designed by Gérald Genta; a luxury sports watch with a porthole-inspired case, highly collectible today.
- Aquanaut (1997): A modern, sportier alternative to the Nautilus, often with rubber straps.
- Grand Complications: Includes perpetual calendars, tourbillons, minute repeaters, and celestial watches.
- Henry Graves Supercomplication (1933): A pocket watch made for American banker Henry Graves Jr., once the world’s most complicated watch, auctioned for $24 million in 2014.
Collectibility & Value
Patek Philippe watches are among the most sought-after in the world, often appreciating in value. Their limited production and focus on exclusivity make them a cornerstone of serious watch collections.
⚜️ Patek’s motto, “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.”, reflects both the brand’s legacy and its focus on timeless quality.