Hand-finishing timepieces
Patek Philippe stands for the high quality and accuracy of its timepieces. In emphasizing its independence, the family-owned manufacture has always defined its own quality criteria recognized by the entire watchmaking community as the strictest ever compiled. They define extremely rigorous standards with stringent inspection procedures that leave no room for compromise.
The Patek Philippe watch range consists of the following collections:
The Grand Complications Collection.
This collection is the supreme test of the designer’s expertise and watchmakers’ skill. At Patek Philippe they master all horological complications and have twice this century built the world’s most complicated portable timepiece.
A “complication” in watchmaking refers to every mechanical feature on a watch beyond telling the time and simple date reading. Patek Philippe upholds a tradition in complications that are useful in everyday situations, such as the Annual Calendar, dual time zones and World Time displays.
The Patek Philippe World Time (Heures Universelles) collection was introduced in 1939 with Ref. 1415 being the first model. The “World Time” complications is able to show the time for all 24 time zones on the same watch and was invented by Swiss watchmaker Louis Cottier in 1930s. The successors to Ref. 1415 include Ref. 2523, Ref. 5230, Ref. 5531 (with minute repeater) and others.
As of 2018, Patek Philippe World Time collection (Ref. 1415, Ref. 2523) holds 6 spots among the 58 world’s most expensive watches sold at auction (over US$ 2.000.000), with the world record being US$ 4.027.000 made at Antiquorum’s Geneva auction on April 13, 2002.
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph was introduced in 1941, with Ref. 1518 being the first model. On November 12, 2018, a Ref. 1518 in steel became the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction (until October 2017), fetching a record-breaking US$ 11.140.000 in Geneva (through Phillips’ auction house).
As the successor, Ref. 2499 is widely considered to be one of the greatest watch models in the world. Historically, only 349 pieces of Ref. 2499 were made from 1950 to 1985 - around 9 pieces each year.
The successors to Ref. 2499 include, in chronological order, Ref. 3970, Ref. 5970 and Ref. 5270.
The Classic Style of a Calatrava.
In 1932, Patek Philippe launched the first Calatrava model Ref. 96, which was designed by English horologist David Penney who was influenced by the Bauhaus art movement in Germany. The original Calatrava Ref. 96 was in production for more than 40 years and its successor models include Ref. 2526, Ref. 3520, Ref. 5196 and others. Known for its simple and elegant design, the Calatrava wristwatch has been a flagship model of Patek Philippe since its introduction. Notably, the Calatrava Cross has been company’s logo since 1887.
With its pure lines, the Calatrava is recognized as the very essence of the round wristwatch and one of the finest symbols of the Patek Philippe style. Supremely elegant, it charms each new generation of watch lovers by its timeless understated perfection.
Patek Philippe's Introduction to Sporty Design.
In 1976, Patek Philippe introduced the Nautilus collection after deciding it was time to produce an exclusive sports watch with the highest quality and attention to details. The first model was Ref. 2700 and was manufactured in steel. It was designed by Swiss watchmaker Gérald Genta, who previously designed the Royal Oak collection for Audemars Piguet.
With the rounded octogonal shape of its bezel, the ingenious porthole construction of its case, and its horizontally embossed dial, the Nautilus epitomizes the elegance in a sports watch. Forty years later, it comprises a splendid collection of models for men and women. In steel, rose gold, white gold or two-tone combinations they accompany the most active lifestyles with incomparable class.
The Nautilus wristwatch has become one of the most popular collections from Patek Philippe and the Ref. 5711 & Ref. 5712 models, which the company introduced in 2006 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the collection, are among the most popular models.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut.
When launched in 1997, the Aquanaut became a sensation and a mind-blowing timepiece for this brand's enthusiasts. It was young, modern and unexpected. Its case was a rounded octagon inspired by the Nautilus and it sported a “Tropical” strap, made from a high-end new composite material ultra-resistant to wear, salt water and UV radiation.
The Aquanaut was introduced as the Ref. 5060A and Ref. 5060J in steel and yellow gold 36mm cases respectively. Patek Philippe introduced the Ref. 5167A in 2007 during its 10th anniversary, bringing the Aquanaut in line with contemporary tastes, featuring an upsized, 40mm case. In 2017 the Aquanaut was increased to a Nautilus Jumbo-sized 42,2mm.
Did you know that…?
• Patek Philippe is an independent manufacture with vertically-integrated production. It has its own research and development department and creates and engineers all movements and external components in its own workshops. The individual parts of the movement as well as the cases are produced, finished and assembled in-house, from simple models and complicated timepieces to Grand Complications. This competence accompanies each watch during its entire lifetime, from the first sketches to final assembly. Patek Philippe services and repairs all of its watches ever made since 1839.
The essence that makes a Patek Philippe watch so valuable.
The Patek Philippe's spirit is embodied in 10 corporate values that have always represented the ideas and work of the manufacture and will continue to do so for generations to come.
The 10 values of Patek Philippe:
- Independence.
Patek Philippe is the oldest independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture. Its independence enables it to control its own destiny while pursuing a long-term vision.This determination to remain independent is at the heart of Patek Philippe's spirit; it guarantees continuity, resilience and trustworthiness.
- Tradition.
The history of the Patek Philippe manufacture, founded in 1839, is part of Geneva’s great watchmaking tradition. It is the legacy born out of the experience and ingenuity of countless generations that safeguards and breathes life into the manufacture.
- Innovation.
In keeping with its tradition of innovation, Patek Philippe constantly tests the frontiers of watchmaking artistry through its avant-garde achievements at the cutting edge of technology.
- Quality and fine workmanship.
Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe had but one goal: to develop and manufacture the finest timepieces in the world. Today, more than ever, quality and fine workmanship remain the watchwords for production at Patek Philippe.
- Rarity.
Patek Philippe has always conceived its watches as exclusive creations. Over 200 different models are in regular production, crafted by the manufacture in small series of between a dozen and several hundred watches, each fitted with proprietary movements. The quality of the movements and watch cases is highly appreciated by watch enthusiasts.
- Value.
Each Patek Philippe watch embodies centuries of genuine experience and countless hours work. Accordingly, it is a precious asset that will retain or even increase its value over the years. Many Patek Philippe models are genuine cult objects that fetch record prices at auction. Most owners of a Patek Philippe watch consider it to be a precious and irreplaceable family heirloom.
- Aesthetics.
The aesthetic appeal of Patek Philippe watches is more than meets the eye. It is also an expression of their mechanical perfection. Their designs outlive passing fashion trends and always project contemporary beauty. Patek Philippe has established its own understated, timeless style: it is a harmonious combination of personality and discretion, elegance and uniqueness. The style has inspired true timepiece classics. It defines the creation and subtly evolving modification of watches that simply retain their irresistibility - yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
- Service.
To assure that its service addresses the loftiest expectations, Patek Philippe relies on a network of hand-picked dealers. The manufacture believes that it has a duty to provide the highest standard of after-sales service, and emphasizes this aspect as a key criterion of the Patek Philippe Seal. For each owner of a Patek Philippe watch, this ensures that after the sale, the timepiece will receive the case and attention needed to function reliably for generations.
- Emotion.
When owners of a Patek Philippe talk about their watches, they will tell stories about passion, emotion, and affection. After all a Patek Philippe is fat more than an instrument that displays the time. It is a very personal and inimitable possession steeped in precious memories. The purchase of a Patek Philippe is often related to an important personal event - a professional success, a marriage or the birth of a child - and offering it as a gift is the most eloquent expression of love or endearment.
- Heritage.
To acquire a Patek Philippe is to become the custodian of an artistic and scientific tradition that continues to inspire remarkable creations. It opens up the world of a family-owned company traditionally handed down from fathers to sons, with each generation dedicated to perpetuating a unique legacy. The purchase of a Patek Philippe enriches a family’s assets with a precious object that will delight many coming generations.
The history of Patek Philippe.
Patek Philippe belongs to the very small circle of historical fine watch brands.
Established in 1839, since 1932 it has been owned by the Stern family, and today is managed by Thierry Stern (President), Philippe Stern (Honorary President), and Claude Peny (CEO). Philippe Stern shaped the history of the manufacture with ambitious real estate projects, the Patek Philippe Museum, and exceptional timekeeping instruments such as the Calibre 89.
The fact that the Patek Philippe manufacture enjoys of such a unique reputation and respect among connoisseurs is due not only to the perfection of its timepieces and the artistry of its watchmakers. This standing also stems from the consistency with which it has remained true to its quest for perfection ever since it was founded in 1839.
That’s why, having a Patek Philippe in our collection is more than a prestige: it's an affiliation with the privileged family.
If you want to know more interesting facts, don’t miss our coming soon Blog with interesting articles about the brand.
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