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

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

Is Patek Philippe older than Rolex?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Patek Philippe is older than Rolex. The Swiss luxury watchmaker opened in Geneva in 1839. Rolex was founded 66 years later in 1905 in London, UK. In 1908, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage Patek Philippe watches and Rolex watches from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 9

Are there fake Patek Philippe watches?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are fake Patek Philippe watches. One way to identify an authentic timepiece produced by the Swiss watchmaker is to examine the back of its case. Patek Philippe doesn't put reference or serial numbers on the case backs, but many fakes will display them. On a real Patek Philippe timepiece, you'll see either a Geneva seal or the Patek Philippe logo, which is a double P. You will usually also find markings that identify the type of material it is made from. If you're unsure of the authenticity of a particular piece, seek input from a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of Patek Philippe watches.

Question 10

Can you buy Patek Philippe at retail?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can buy Patek Philippe at retailers located around the world. The luxury Swiss watchmaker's official website has a search tool to help you find an authorized dealer near you. In addition, some trusted online platforms also offer Patek Philippe timepieces. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Patek Philippe watches.

Question 11

Is Patek Philippe made of gold?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many Patek Philippe watches are made of gold. The Swiss luxury watchmaker uses white gold, rose gold and yellow gold to craft cases. In addition, you can find stainless steel and platinum timepieces in its collection. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Patek Philippe watches from some of the world's top dealers.

Question 12

Do Patek Philippe watches have gold?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Patek Philippe watches feature gold. The Swiss luxury watchmaker frequently works with white, yellow and rose gold for its alluring timepieces. Additionally, there are Patek Philippe watches made with platinum and combinations of precious metals. Explore a diverse assortment of Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.

Question 13

Which country owns Patek Philippe?

Accepted Answer

No country owns Patek Philippe. The luxury watchmaker, which was founded in 1839, is privately owned. However, some Patek Philippe watches bear the word “Genève.” This indicates that the watch was made in Geneva, Switzerland, not that the Swiss government owns the brand. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Patek Philippe watches from some of the world's top dealers.

Question 14

Which Patek Philippe Nautilus should I buy?

Accepted Answer

Which Patek Philippe Nautilus watch you should buy is up to you. The blue-dial Nautilus 5711/1A is an incredibly popular model, especially as blue-dial watches are hot among collectors and fashion lovers right now. The Nautilus 5712R-001, with its alluring rose gold finish, is also a top model.

The celebrated accessory is just one of the myriad watches conceived by brilliant Swiss watchmaker Gérald Genta for Patek Philippe. Genta designed some of the most striking timepieces of the 20th century. The original Nautilus, which debuted in 1976, featured an integrated steel bracelet, an octagonal bezel with rounded corners and a dial decked out in a horizontal embossed pattern.

Find vintage Patek Philippe Nautilus watches on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How long will a Patek Philippe last?

Accepted Answer

A Patek Philippe watch can last anywhere from four to eight years, depending on the complexity of the movement of the watch. But as long as the watch is serviced and properly cared for, any luxury watch will last a lifetime. On 1stDibs, find vintage and modern Patek Philippe pieces.

Question 16

How do I manually wind a Patek Philippe?

Accepted Answer

To manually wind your Patek Philippe watch, locate the crown and rotate it clockwise 30 to 40 times. Stop as soon as you feel resistance to avoid overwinding — this is important, as overwinding can potentially damage your watch. Find an assortment of vintage manual Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How can I tell if a Patek Philippe is fake?

Accepted Answer

To tell if your Patek Philippe is fake, look closely at the dial. Any flaw on the dial is evidence of fakery. Are the numbers in the right font? Are the hands the right style and length? Experts recommend that you examine a watch you're considering using a loupe and compare it with the same model in a reference book or auction catalogue.

Created in-house and by hand, real Patek Philippe cases will feel substantial. There will be nothing slight or irregular about them.

For more info, visit the official 1stDibs guide to spotting a fake Patek Philippe watch.

Find vintage Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do I set a Patek Philippe watch?

Accepted Answer

To set a Patek Philippe watch, pull the crown out to its farthest setting when the second hand hits the 12:00 mark. The second hand will stop, and you can set the time by turning the crown until the watch shows the right time. Then, push the crown back in, and the watch is set. On 1stDibs, find vintage and modern Patek Philippe from top sellers worldwide.

Question 19

Does Patek Philippe have a women’s watch?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Patek Philippe does have women's watches available for sale. The brand's signature Nautilus timepiece comes in a slimmer silhouette intended for women. In addition, the brand offers the Twenty~4 Automatic collection exclusively for women. These watches are available in stainless steel and rose gold. Most models feature genuine diamond accents. Shop a range of Patek Philippe women's watches on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Can I get a Patek Philippe Aquanaut?

Accepted Answer

Whether or not you can get a Patek Philippe Aquanaut depends on availability. The luxury Swiss watchmaker produces only a limited quantity, and the watch is very popular. As a result, authorized Patek Philippe retailers may sell out quickly. Alternatively, you can shop various reputable online platforms for the timepiece. You'll find a variety of Patek Philippe Aquanaut watches on 1stDibs.

Patek Philippe 1914

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Patek Philippe. A Gold Keyless Lever Pocket Watch C1914

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe 2461 Tegola 18k Solid Gold Tank Tegolino Ciraca 1955

Antique Mid-19th Century Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Gondolo Engraved mechanical Wristwatch

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Clip-on Earrings

Trudel by Kurt Aepli 1970 Swiss Geometric Clips Earrings in Polished 18kt Gold

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings

Trudel By Kurt Aepli Geometric Ring 18Kt Gold With 3.02 Ctw Emerald And Diamonds

Vintage 1970s Swiss Contemporary Brooches

Gubelin 1970 Kurt Aepli Necklace Brooch 18Kt Gold Diamonds, Jasper & Bloodstone

People Also Browsed

Antique Late 19th Century Pocket Watches

Antique Patek Philippe. A Rose Gold Keyless Lever Full Hunter Pocket Watch C1891

Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Patek Philippe Rare Sliver & Gold Keyless Lever OpenFace DressPocket Watch C1920

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Cartier Tank Solo 18k Yellow Gold Men's Watch W1018855

Vintage 1970s American Wrist Watches

Tiffany & Co. Cushion Shaped Diamond and Ruby Bezel Watch in Yellow Gold

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe Gubelin Gold Ladies Watch

2010s Wrist Watches

Rolex Submariner Hulk Green Dial Bezel Watch 116610LV

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe 2494J Calatrava Watch

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Mesh Band Ladies Wristwatch

Late 20th Century Wrist Watches

Tiffany Rolex Geneve Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wrist Watches

French 1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Omega Lady's Watch

Vintage 1970s Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches

RADO Golden Horse / 1970s Vintage watch

20th Century European Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rolex Extremely rare rectangular solid gold watch 1930s

20th Century Wrist Watches

Rolex Precision 18 Karat Gold Ladies Wrist Watch

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe Rare Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli & Diamond Set Watch 4399/1

Antique 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Antique Chronograph & Quarter Repeater Pocket Watch Hunter 14 Karat Gold

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe 18Kt. Two-Tone Oversized Art Deco Wristwatch from 1940s

Recent Sales

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe Mini Calatrava 4706/11 18k Solid Gold 4706 Queen Elizabeth II Fav

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe Calatrava with 36 Diamonds Lady 4820/001 Full 750 18k Solid Gold

Vintage 1970s Swiss Fashion Rings

Kurt Aepli for Trudel Tourmaline and Gold Ring

Vintage 1970s Swiss Contemporary Fashion Rings

Gubelin 1970 Kurt Aepli 18Kt Gold Geometric Ring Diamonds, Jasper & Bloodstone

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Elgin 14Kt Solid Gold Art Deco American Made Tonneau Shape 1940's

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Tonneau Shape Watch Circa 1931 with Original Dial

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe Calatrava Full Set with 36 Diamonds Lady 4820 18k White Gold

More Ways To Browse