Patek Philippe Watches

Swiss

It shouldn’t be surprising that a Patek Philippe holds the world auction record for a watch ($31.2 million for a Patek Grandmaster Chime, sold at Christie’s). Known for impeccable craftsmanship and some of the most complicated timepieces ever created, the brand is considered by many to be the height of fine watchmaking. Collectors simply love Patek Philippe watches.

The house was founded in Geneva in 1839 by Polish expats Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek. Czapek left the firm, and in 1845, Patek partnered with French watchmaker Jean Adrien Philippe. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Catering to the glitterati of Europe, the pair counted among their clients Tolstoy, Pope Pius IX and Queen Victoria, as well as Countess Koscowicz of Hungary, for whom they created the first Swiss-made wristwatch in 1868. They also had their eye on the American market and in 1851 entered an arrangement with Tiffany & Co. still in effect today.

During the Great Depression, brothers Jean and Charles Stern, who had previously supplied Patek Philippe with watch dials, bought the company, and it continues to be run by the Stern family today.

Under the Sterns, the house has developed some of its most famous models, including the Calatrava, an elegantly minimal dress watch introduced in 1932 and named for the Calatrava Cross (the company’s logo since 1887), and the Nautilus, the brand’s first sports watch, conceived by legendary designer Gérald Genta in 1976.

Despite the house’s longevity, it’s rumored that it has manufactured fewer than a million Patek watches, making each one all the more coveted. (The brand's pieces are understandably attractive to counterfeiters — make sure you know how to spot a fake Patek Philippe watch.)

Find authentic Patek Philippe watches, cufflinks, bracelets and more on 1stDibs today.

Patek Philippe watches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Patek Philippe watches available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Patek Philippe jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Patek Philippe diamond watches, from our inventory of 49, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. We have 547 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider watches by Audemars Piguet, TAG Heuer, and IWC. Prices for Patek Philippe watches can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,300 and tops out at $1,050,250, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $21,926.

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Questions About Patek Philippe Watches

How can I change the strap on a Patek Philippe watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The exact method of changing a strap on a Patek Philippe watch varies by the model. To detach straps from the timepiece, there will be small push buttons to release. Remember to use a toothpick or other tool that will not scratch the metal. Consult the brand’s website for more specific information on each model.
How do I adjust a Patek Philippe watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Adjustments on a Patek Philippe watch vary depending on the model. The crown is for winding the timepiece, and other functions are often controlled by push buttons. For specific instructions on adjustments and settings, consult the brand’s website. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage and contemporary Patek Philippe watches.
How accurate are Patek Philippe watches?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Patek Philippe watches are one of the most accurate timepieces available in the luxury market today. The level of accuracy varies from watch to watch. However, every watch the brand offers is accurate by -3 to +2 seconds over a 24-hour period. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Patek Philippe watches.
Does Patek Philippe have a tourbillon watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes, Patek Philippe does have a tourbillon watch, the Grand Complications 6002R. The model is a redesign of the Reference 6002 Sky Moon Tourbillon. It features a rose gold case, a champlevé and cloisonné brown enamel dial and a chestnut alligator leather strap. Shop a wide range of Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.
Did Patek Philippe make a two-sided watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes, Patek Philippe created a limited edition two-sided watch called the Grandmaster Chime. It debuted in 2014 to honor the brand's 175th anniversary, and the company made only seven of them. One side of the face shows the time, and the other displays the calendar. Shop a collection of Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.
How good are Patek Philippe watches?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Patek Philippe watches are generally considered to be exceptionally good timepieces. The brand continuously creates new technologies to expand the functionality and increase the accuracy of their designs, and artisans handcraft every watch that bares the Patel Phillipe name. Even production of the parts takes place in-house to ensure quality. Shop a wide range of Patel Phillipe watches on 1stDibs.
Do Patek Philippe watches have serial numbers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, all Patek Philippe watches have serial numbers. Luxury watches will often have a serial number to help with authentication. Patek Philippe serial numbers are engraved on the case back. Consult the brand’s website for more information on finding the date of manufacture on your watch. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage and contemporary Patek Philippe watches.
Do Patek Philippe watches hold value?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, Patek Philippe watches hold their value very well due to their immense popularity among collectors. Patek Philippe is one of the world's premier watchmakers with over 150 years of experience. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage and contemporary Patek Philippe watches.
Are Patek Philippe watches quartz or mechanical?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Patek Philippe watches may be quartz or mechanical, depending on the model. The brand uses quartz movements in some Gondolo, Nautilus and Aquanaut timepieces. However, the majority of the brand's watches feature manual or self-winding mechanical movement. Find a collection of Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.
How do I set the time on a Patek Philippe watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To set the time on a Patek Philippe watch, unscrew the crown and wind it clockwise. Other functions will depend on the exact model you have and its complexity. For information on specific models, consult the brand’s website. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage and modern Patek Philippe watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
Who wears Patek Philippe watches?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Wearing a Patek Philippe luxury wristwatch is an excellent status symbol for any aspiring celebrity or businessperson. In 1851, the Queen of England sported a Patek Philippe watch, and it increased its popularity among wealthy, high-profile people. You'll find a collection of authentic Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.
What is the most popular Patek Philippe watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
All of Patek Philippe’s watch models are collector’s items and popular in their own right. The widely coveted Nautilus sports watch line, for example, has been produced without interruption for more than four decades, but it’s hard to say which of the brand’s watches is the most popular because different models cater to different needs and preferences. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a variety of expertly-vetted vintage and contemporary Patek Philippe watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
Why Patek Philippe watches are so expensive?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Patek Philippe watches are commonly seen as the best brand for Swiss watches, particularly because of their quality, level of expertise, and value. In the manufacturing process there are often 60 steps needed even for subtle aspects which also adds to the cost.
How is a Patek Philippe made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
A Patek Philippe watch is made entirely by hand. More than 250 parts go into each timepiece, and the brand produces all of them in-house. Skilled artisans carefully assemble the pieces at individual workstations, and every watch goes through a rigorous quality control inspection. It usually takes the company one year to make each watch. Shop a collection of Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.
How do the moon phases of a Patek Philippe work?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 11, 2024
The moon phases of a Patek Philippe mean that certain watches created by the legendary Swiss brand are equipped with dials that will display phases of the lunar cycle. A Patek Philippe watch with a complication that allows for moon-phase tracking comes with instructions to guide you through the process. A calculator tool on the Patek Philippe website, featured in the “Settings” section, can be of help in setting the watch to accurately track the lunar cycle. Shop a range of Patek Philippe watches with moon-phase functionality on 1stDibs.
How many jewels are in a Patek Philippe?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
The number of jewels in a Patek Philippe watch varies depending on the movement. For example, the 324 S C self-winding movement found in many Calatrava and Nautilus timepieces has 29 jewels, while CH 29-535 PS Q hand-wound movement used in some Grand Complications watches features 33 jewels. Consult the official Patek Philippe website for specific information about how many jewels specific watches contain. You'll find a large collection of Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.
How many Patek Philippe 5970 were made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
It’s unknown exactly how many Patek Philippe 5970 watches were made. Production began in 2004 and lasted until 2010. Some experts estimate that the brand manufactured only 2,000 to 3,000 of the timepieces, but Patek Philippe doesn't release details about how many watches it produces. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Patek Philippe watches.
How often should I have to wind my Patek Philippe?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
How often you need to wind your Patek Philippe watches depends on what type of movement system it has. Normally, you’ll need to wind a mechanically wound watch every morning before you put it on. Self-winding watches receive power from your movements. Unless you don't wear your watch for a period of 36 to 48 hours or more, you should only need to wind it once before you slip it on for the first time. Explore a wide range of Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.
Who is Patek Philippe?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 11, 2024
Patek Philippe is the name of a leading Swiss watchmaker (it’s a company, not a person). The house was founded in Geneva in 1839 by Polish expats Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek. Czapek left the firm, and in 1845, Patek partnered with French watchmaker Jean Adrien Philippe. Patek Philippe began operating under its current name on January 1, 1851. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Patek Philippe watches.
How do you pronounce Patek Philippe?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 11, 2024
Patek Philippe is pronounced PA-tek FEE-leep. The brand name comes from the surnames of two of its founders: the Polish watchmaker Antoni Patek and the French watchmaker Adrien Philippe. Patek Philippe began operating under its current name on January 1, 1851. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Patek Philippe watches.