Question 1

Who is Patek Philippe?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How is a Patek Philippe made?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How do you pronounce Patek Philippe?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Is Patek Philippe a Rolex?

Accepted Answer

No, Patek Philippe is not a Rolex. They are actually two different luxury watchmakers from Geneva, Switzerland. Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis founded Rolex in 1905, while Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe established Patek Philippe in 1839. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of watches from some of the world's top dealers.

Question 5

What is the cheapest Patek Philippe?

Accepted Answer

Some of the less expensive Patek Philippe watches are priced between $19,000 and $30,000 USD. Within this price range, buyers can choose from Calatrava, Nautilus and Aquanaut. There are plenty of Patek Philippe watches to choose from on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is special about Patek Philippe?

Accepted Answer

What is so special about Patek Philippe comes down mostly to the quality of the timepieces that the watchmaker produces. Skilled artisans make each watch entirely by hand, with a process that can take nine months for a very basic timepiece or up to two years for highly complex watches. The Swiss watchmaker also uses fine materials like precious metals and has a reputation for engineering very precise movements for timekeeping. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Patek Philippe watches.

Question 7

Where is Patek Philippe made?

Accepted Answer

Patek Philippe watches are made in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland. The family-owned company maintains a completely independent manufacturing process, including research, design, production and assembly. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary Patek Philippe watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How many jewels are in a Patek Philippe?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How often should I have to wind my Patek Philippe?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How can I get a Patek Philippe Aquanaut?

Accepted Answer

It isn’t easy to get a Patek Philippe Aquanaut. It is an extraordinarily popular timepiece, and potential buyers would reportedly be joining a years-long waiting list. New Patek Philippe watches can be purchased from one of its three salons (online sources note that the selection is limited in the salons), the Swiss watchmaker’s authorized retailers and from dealers that are unaffiliated with the brand. For a list of authorized dealers, consult the brand’s website.

Find vintage Patek Philippe Aquanaut watches on 1stDibs.

Question 11

Who designed the Patek Philippe Nautilus?

Accepted Answer

Gérald Genta designed the Patek Philippe Nautilus. The Swiss brand's first sports watch, the Nautilus debuted in 1976.

The celebrated accessory is just one of the myriad watches conceived by the brilliant Swiss watchmaker, who designed some of the most striking timepieces of the 20th century. It featured an integrated steel bracelet, an octagonal bezel with rounded corners and a dial decked out in a horizontal embossed pattern. Genta's relationship with Patek Philippe began with the Golden Ellipse, whose oval case was a stylish departure from the house's more serious, round Calatrava.

Shop a range of authentic Patek Philippe Nautilus watches on 1stDibs.

Question 12

Can you change the Patek Philippe strap?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can change a Patek Philippe strap. The method for doing so varies by model. However, many of the Swiss watchmaker's timepieces feature a spring bar with a handle that you push to release the strap when you're ready to make a change. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Patek Phillippe watches.

Question 13

How do I identify a Patek Philippe watch?

Accepted Answer

To identify a Patek Philippe watch, first locate the serial and model numbers. Depending on the timepiece, you will usually find them printed inside the case or along the interior edges. Once you have these numbers, cross-check them with trusted online resources to determine which watch you have. If you run into any difficulty, consult a licensed appraiser or knowledgeable dealer for assistance with identification. Explore a variety of Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.

Question 14

Is Patek Philippe a luxury watch?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Patek Phillippe is a luxury watch. The Swiss watchmaker uses only fine-quality materials and is known for producing sophisticated, highly accurate movements. All Patek Philippe watches are painstakingly handcrafted to ensure quality. It takes artisans nine months to produce the brand's most basic watches. A single complicated model can require two years of crafting to fully complete. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of Patek Phillippe watches.

Question 15

Is the Patek Philippe 5196 discontinued?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Patek Philippe 5196 is discontinued. The Swiss luxury watchmaker announced its decision to stop producing the model from the Calatrava range in 2022. However, you can still find the Patek Philippe 5196 on some trusted online platforms. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of Patek Philippe Calatrava watches.

Question 16

What does the Patek Philippe logo mean?

Accepted Answer

What the Patek Philippe logo means has a range of interpretations. Some people equate it with power. Others see it as a symbol of prestige, wealth or strength. What isn't up for debate is what inspired the logo called the Calatrava. The emblem appeared on the banners of the Calatrava knights, who defended the Spanish city of Calatrava from Arabian invaders during the 12th century. Shop a wide variety of Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.

Question 17

Is Patek Philippe a luxury brand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many people consider Patek Philippe a luxury brand. Its pieces fit the definition of luxury because they feature quality workmanship and materials and are available at aspirational price points. Shop a selection of Patek Philippe pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do I adjust a Patek Philippe watch?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Is the Patek Philippe 5711 discontinued?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the classic Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 was discontinued in early 2021, but an upgraded version of the 5711 was unveiled shortly after. The main difference between the original and upgraded version is that the navy face was swapped for olive green. Shop a selection of Patek Philippe watches, including the 5711, on 1stDibs.

Question 20

How accurate are Patek Philippe watches?

Accepted Answer

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.

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