In 1839, Patek Philippe was born and quickly became the most respected name in watchmaking. Each watch is made with precision and built to last generations, boasting tremendous rarity and often made in small quantities, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Since its founding, the brand has remained independent and to this day focus only on quality and innovation. Their watches often include unique complications and designs that have influenced the industry for nearly two centuries. Owning one is a mark of exclusivity and a connection to a long history of craftsmanship.
From Humble Beginnings to Swiss Excellence
The story begins in 1839. Before motorcars, airplanes, and electric lights, time was kept by pocket watches and clocks. It was an era where precision and craftsmanship were valued over mass production. Watchmaking was still a small, specialised trade, with most pieces created by hand in small workshops.
Watches were seen as tools of necessity but also as symbols of status and wealth. The industry was growing, but it was far from the widespread popularity it would later achieve. Swiss watchmakers, in particular, were beginning to gain recognition for their skill, laying the foundation for what would become a global reputation for excellence.
Luxury Swiss Watchmakers Patek Philippe Founders Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe
The Timeline
1839: Founding of Patek, Czapek & Cie
In 1839, Polish immigrant Antoine Norbert de Patek and Czech watchmaker Franรงois Czapek founded Patek, Czapek & Cie in Geneva, Switzerland. Their collaboration focused on crafting high-quality pocket watches for an elite clientele.
1844: Keyless Winding System Introduced
Jean Adrien Philippe, a French watchmaker, introduced a revolutionary keyless winding and hand-setting system at the Industrial Exposition in Paris, earning a bronze medal. This innovation caught Antoine Norbert de Patekโs attention.
1845: Formation of Patek & Cie
After Czapek left the partnership, Philippe joined Patek to form Patek & Cie. This marked the beginning of a partnership that would redefine watchmaking.
1851: Renamed Patek, Philippe & Cie
The company name officially became Patek, Philippe & Cie. That same year, Queen Victoria admired their innovative keyless watches at The Great Exhibition in London.
1868: First Swiss Wristwatch
Patek Philippe created the first Swiss wristwatch for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary, cementing their place as pioneers in horology.
1889: Perpetual Calendar Mechanism Patent
The company patented a perpetual calendar mechanism for pocket watches.
1902: First Double Chronograph Patent
Patek Philippe secured another patent for the first double chronograph, a watch that includes two distinct stopwatch mechanisms in order to measure two separate events concurrently or comparatively.
1923: First Split-Seconds Chronograph Wristwatch
The brand introduced the first split-seconds chronograph wristwatch, a watch that took some time to create after filing for the patent 21 years earlier. This was an era that still boasts some of the coolest vintage Patek Philippe watches.
1925: First Wristwatch with Perpetual Calendar
They launched the first wristwatch with a perpetual calendar, a watch mechanism that automatically adjusts the date for months of varying lengths and leap years.
1932: Stern Brothers Invest in Patek Philippe
Brothers Jean and Charles Henri Stern invested in Patek Philippe, ensuring its independence and continuity. That same year, the iconic Calatrava (Ref. 96) was introduced.
1933: Creation of the Graves Supercomplication
Patek Philippe crafted the “Graves Supercomplication,” a pocket watch with 24 complications, for American banker Henry Graves Jr. It remains one of the most complex and expensive timepieces ever made.
1941: Regular Production of Perpetual Calendar Wristwatches
The company began regular production of perpetual calendar wristwatches (Ref. 1526), a significant milestone in watchmaking history as watches at the time were not mass nor regularly produced.
1953: Self-Winding Mechanism Patent
Patek Philippe patented a groundbreaking self-winding mechanism (caliber 12-600AT). The 12-600 AT is a 12-ligne, approximately 6 mm diameter automatic movement. It was introduced 22 years after Rolex patented its perpetual mechanism.
1953: Self-Winding Mechanism Patent
The Company makes the worlds first all-electric clock.
1962: Record-Breaking Precision
A Patek Philippe tourbillon movement achieved a world timekeeping precision record for a mechanical watch at the Geneva Observatory, a record that still stands.
1976: Introduction of the Nautilus
Designed by Gรฉrald Genta, the Nautilus (Ref. 3700/1) became a luxury sports watch icon, and possibly the most sought after and prestigious watch to grace any wrist. Today, it’s an instantly recognisable yet minimalist aragonite watch, with an average purchase price of $70,000.
1989: The Calibre 89
To celebrate their 150th anniversary, Patek Philippe introduced the Calibre 89, a pocket watch with 33 complications, the most ever in a portable timepiece.
1996: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar
The brand launched the first Annual Calendar mechanism (Ref. 5035), an innovation that simplified calendar adjustments.
1997: Release of the Aquanaut
The release of the instantly popular Aquanaut brings modernity to the brand, a watch commonly worn on a vulcanised rubber strap.
2001: Sky Moon Tourbillon
Patek Philippe unveiled the Sky Moon Tourbillon (Ref. 5002), their most complicated wristwatch at the time, featuring a double face and 12 complications.
2014: 175th Anniversary Collection
The company marked its 175th anniversary with a special collection of commemorative watches. These included:
- Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175R โ 7 pieces
- Chiming Jump Hour Ref. 5275P โ 175 pieces
- Multi-Scale Chronograph Ref. 5975
- Yellow, White, and Rose Gold โ 400 pieces each
- Platinum โ 300 pieces
- World Time Moon Ref. 5575G โ 1,300 pieces
- World Time Moon Ref. 7175R โ 450 pieces
2019: Calatrava Weekly Calendar
The Calatrava Weekly Calendar (Ref. 5212A-001) introduced a new complication that displayed the week number alongside the date.
2024: The Patek Philippe Cubitus
The brand release their first square watch range, the Cubitus. With its “Santos-like” shape, it was a controversial release, with some saying it sways too far from the brands typical minimalist designs.
Patek Philippe on the Big Screen
- “Drive” (2011): Ryan Goslingโs character wore a Patek Philippe with a leather strap, complementing the filmโs sleek aesthetic.
- “Succession” (2018): The series prominently featured a Patek Philippe Geneve wristwatch, symbolizing power and wealth.
- GQ Cover (2024): Brad Pitt showcased his vintage Patek Philippe Nautilus, underlining the watchโs timeless appeal.
“Drive” (2011): Ryan Goslingโs character wore a Patek Philippe with a leather strap
“Succession” (2018): The series prominently featured Patek Philippe Geneve and Nautilus wristwatchs, fitting for the billion dollar family.
GQ Cover (2024): Brad Pitt showcasing his vintage Patek Philippe Nautilus for a recent GQ shoot with George Clooney