Arguably the finest timepiece brand the world over; Switzerland-based, Patek Philippe has built its illustrious legacy on nearly 170 years of total creative freedom to design, produce and assemble what expert horologists agree to be among the finest timepieces in the world. Patek Philippe is the only manufacture that crafts all of its mechanical movements according to the strict specifications of the Geneva Seal, and these precious, timeless watches have proudly been handed down from one generation to the next to result in new-generation technology woven with traditional watchmaking prestige.
Over the years, Patek Philippe watches have been worn by a number of notable individuals, including members of royalty, movie stars and affluent tycoons. The brand is notable for manufacturing most of its own components under its private ownership.
Created in 1839 by two Polish immigrants, Antoine Norbert de Patek (a salesman) and François Czapek (a watchmaker), the two joined forces to found Patek, Czapek & Cie, which later changed to Patek Philippe in 1851 following the exit of Czapek and the addition of French watchmaker Jean Adrien Philippe — also known as the inventor of the keyless winding mechanism.
With 70 patents under its belt, Patek Philippe has pioneered several innovations in timepiece making including creating the first wristwatch in 1868. The brand also is credited for producing the perpetual calendar, split-seconds hand, chronograph and minute repeater in watches.
Today, the Patek Philippe name stands for quality, reliability and unique independence. To illustrate this, each single automatic movement manufactured by the company is put through approximately 600 hours of quality control. The assembled watches are then put through diligent testing and observation for 15 days to one month (depending on the type of movement) before they are deemed ready for the customer. Perhaps due to this concentrated attention on each watch, only 30,000 Patek Philippe watches are produced annually, in small series ranging from a few to several hundred.
With the intense level of skill and beautiful detail work that goes into each Patek Philippe timepiece, the brand is also well-known for its high price range, especially at auction. A more than two-time recipient of the Most Expensive title, Patek Philippe recently made headlines when on April 10, 2008, the 2003 Ref. 5002P Sky Moon Tourbillon platinum Patek Philippe tourbillon wristwatch made the world record as the most expensive modern wristwatch sold at Hong Kong Sotheby's for HK $11.75 million (USD $1.49 million).
Among the brand’s most renowned designs is the Patek Philippe model 5070. Launched ten years ago, the classic chronograph with the sweep seconds and the 30-minute counter now has a refreshingly charismatic platinum sibling. The new blue-metallic sunburst dial underscores the masculinity and technical appeal of this larger-format chronograph. Fine mechanical composition meets masculinity with the Model 5722 G.This new haute joaillerie version of the complicated Nautilus with moon phases and power reserve indicator blends breathtaking technology with aesthetic appeal. The acclaimed Nautilus case is adorned with 32 baguette diamonds.
The Model 5130 G exudes vitality as a new platinum version joins the white and rose gold models of the famous, exceptionally convenient World Time watch. The timeless classic design of the case has been kept and adapted in a larger more contemporary size with a diameter of 39.5 mm (formerly 37). The dial is inspired from the original World Time watch with a new guilloché pattern for the centre. The unique ring-shaped hour hand is inspired from historical Patek Philippe World Time watches from the 1930-1940's.
When it comes to modern elegance in women’s watches, the Patek Philippe Model 4937R turns heads with its dial made of natural white mother of pearl with dark grey Breguet numerals. The Alligator strap has a beautiful pearl white tone to complement the dial. Also an elegant choice for ladies is the Patek Philippe 5098 (platinum). Inspired by the historic Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo from 1925, the Model 5098 boasts a platinum case and sapphire-crystal back that totally reveals the new Caliber 25-21 REC rectangular form movement.
After nearly 200 years of leading the realm of timepiece design, Patek Philippe enjoys the recognition bestowed upon it, including headquarters at Plan-les-Ouates and the Patek Philippe Museum at Plainpalais, both in Geneva. There also are flagship stores in Geneva, Paris, and London.
