Patek Philippe
The irreplaceable know-how of hand finishing
Patek Philippe is a Swiss luxury watch and clock manufacturer founded in 1839, one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world.
Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime (Ref. 6300A-010 “Only Watch”) currently holds the title of the most expensive watch ever sold at auction (about USD 30 million).
Its watch has been finished by hand by a dedicated, trained specialist, with skills passed down through generations.
What is the history of the creation of Patek Philippe?
In 1851, Antoine Norbert de Patek joined forces with Vincent Gostowski and Jean Adrien Philippe in Geneva, Switzerland, to re-establish the company as Patek, Philippe & Cie.
In 1925, a New York banker commissioned what would become known as “the world’s most complicated watch” which was delivered after a rigorous 8-year creation process, including 3 years dedicated solely to research and development. The pocket watch “Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication” boasted 24 horological complications and remained the world’s most complicated watch for half a century. It remains renowned as the most expensive watch ever sold at auction, fetching a staggering 11 million dollars in 1999, then again for 24 million dollars in 2014.
To celebrate its 150th anniversary in 1989, Patek once again redefined the standard for complicated watches with the creation of a new timepiece boasting 33 complications.
The epitome of extravagance in horology, the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A, achieved a new pinnacle of worth at the 2019 Only Watch auction, where it sold for a staggering 31 million dollars
Patek’s iconic model, the “Calatrava,” first appeared in 1930, and the brand’s other renowned models include the Gondolo, the Ellipse d’Or, the Nautilus (since 1976), the Aquanaut, the Twenty-4 (for women), and the Star Caliber 2000.
What makes Patek Philippe special?
Patek Philippe specializes in very high quality watches.
Simply put, Patek owners know that they have the very best in craftsmanship, heritage, and design sitting on their wrists. It’s said that fewer than one million Patek Philippe watches have been made since 1839
The vastly wide range in pricing between Patek Philippe watches vary based on materials, complications, popularity, and complexity.
What technical advances has Patek Philippe made?
Since 1845, it has filed more than 70 patents, including:
- 1881: precision regulator
- 1889: perpetual calendar mechanism
- 1902: double chronograph
- 1949: Gyromax balance wheel
- 1959: mechanical watches with time zones
- 1964: mechanical movement with peripheral rotor
- 1985: mechanism indicating the date of Easter
- 1996: annual calendar
- 2000: astronomical representation mechanism
More info about Patek Philippe
Who is the founder of Patek Philippe?
Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek founded Patek, Czapek & Cie in 1839. They started by creating pocket watches for royalty and high society.
Who owns Patek Philippe?
Owned by the Swiss Stern family since 1932, the company is Geneva’s last independent family-run watch manufacturer. Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world, with an uninterrupted watchmaking history since its foundation.
What makes Patek Philippe watches so special?
Patek Philippe watches are renowned for their exceptional quality and attention to detail. From the finest materials to the most intricate movements, every aspect of a Patek Philippe watch is carefully crafted to create a truly remarkable timepiece. Additionally, Patek Philippe is known for its innovative technology, incorporating cutting-edge advancements into its watches to ensure their accuracy and reliability. Finally, the company’s timeless designs and elegant aesthetics make Patek Philippe watches not only functional, but also fashionable.
Where is Patek Philippe’s headquarters located?
Today, the company operates from its headquarters in Plan-les-Ouates on the outskirts of Geneva and La Chaux-de-Fonds in the Canton of Neuchâtel.
What are some of the most popular collections offered by Patek Philippe?
Patek Philippe offers a variety of collections, each of which appeals to a different type of buyer. Some of the most popular collections include the Nautilus, Calatrava, and Aquanaut. These collections are known for their elegant and sophisticated designs, as well as their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Additionally, the company also offers a range of limited edition timepieces that are highly sought after by collectors.
How does Patek Philippe ensure the quality of its watches?
Patek Philippe is committed to ensuring the quality of its watches through a rigorous quality control process. This process involves a team of highly skilled craftsmen who inspect each watch for accuracy, reliability, and craftsmanship. In addition, Patek Philippe also utilizes state-of-the-art technology and equipment to ensure that its watches are of the highest quality.
What is the price range for Patek Philippe watches?
Patek Philippe watches are some of the most expensive in the world, with prices ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. The price of a Patek Philippe watch depends on several factors, including the complexity of the movement, the materials used, and the design. Despite their high prices, Patek Philippe watches are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs, who are willing to pay top dollar for a timepiece that is both functional and beautiful.
Where is the main Patek Philippe store?
Patek Philippe watches are available for purchase at authorized dealers around the world. It is important to purchase from an authorized dealer to ensure that you are buying a genuine Patek Philippe watch and to take advantage of the company’s warranty and customer service. Additionally, many Patek Philippe watches are available for purchase through auction houses and private dealers, but it is important to carefully research the seller and the watch before making a purchase.
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TokyoWhat is Patek Philippe’s official website?
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