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Largest Patek Philippe

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1960s Patek Philippe Jade Swan Mantle Solar Clock, Largest known
By Patek Philippe
Located in New york, NY
Manufactured in 1965 and is known to be the LARGEST solar clock Patek Philippe has ever produced with a
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Regency Wrist Watches

Materials

Jade, Brass

Patek Philippe 2481J Jumbo 37mm Calatrava Watch Circa 1956
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
: Model 2481 was launched in 1950 and was one of the largest wristwatches ever made by Patek Philippe. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe 2458J Massive Vintage 36mm Calatrava Watch Circa 1949
By Patek Philippe
Located in Santa Monica, CA
: Reference 2458, one of Patek Philippe's largest vintage wristwatches, was launched in 1948. The case has
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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Largest Patek Philippe For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact largest patek philippe you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, gold-filled and 14k gold. If you’re looking for a largest patek philippe from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing largest patek philippe — no matter the origin — is easy, but Gruen, Patek Philippe and Hamilton each produced a popular version that is worth a look. When shopping for a largest patek philippe, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Largest Patek Philippe?

On average, a largest patek philippe at 1stDibs sells for $1,550, while they’re typically $875 on the low end and $20,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.

In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.

Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.

Questions About Largest Patek Philippe
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    Who the designer of Patek Philippe is has varied over the years. Early in the Swiss luxury watchmaker's history, its founders, Antoni Patek and Jean Adrien Philippe, served as its designers. After Patek and Philippe, the most notable designer who worked for the company was Gérald Genta, the creator of the iconic Nautilus. Other notable Patek Philippe designers include Eric Giroud, Jean-Pascal Poinçot and Gilbert Albert. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Patek Philippe watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 17, 2024
    Whether or not Patek Philippe is overpriced is a matter of opinion. However, many collectors believe the Swiss watchmaker's timepieces are well worth the money due to their fine materials, expert craftsmanship and precision timekeeping. It's rumored that Patek Philippe has manufactured fewer than a million watches over its more than 175-year history. The limited supply of the company's watches, compared to their high demand, contributes to the price. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Patek Philippe watches.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 11, 2024
    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.

  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 11, 2024
    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.

  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023
    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.