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20th Century Swiss Industrial Scientific Instruments
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20th Century Swiss Scientific Instruments
Finding the Right scientific-instruments for You
Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.
With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.
If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?
Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Adjustments 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Patek 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Patek 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Patek 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Wearing 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022All 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Patek 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022All Patek Philippe watches have serial numbers engraved on the case’s back. Luxury watches will always have a serial number to help with authentication, and Patek Philippe is no exception. 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 from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Most Patek Philippe Geneve watches are similar in their adjustments. Turn the crown clockwise to wind the watch once per day, and use the small push buttons on the side of the case to set other parameters like month and day. On some less complicated models, everything is adjusted by unscrewing the crown and putting it in different positions. Consult the brand’s website for more specific setting instructions. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage and contemporary Patek Philippe watches from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Patek Philippe makes stainless steel watches. The Nautilus, Calatrava, Complications and Aquanaut collections all feature stainless steel models, as does the women's Twenty~4 Automatic collection. Depending on the line, you may have your choice of a stainless steel watch with a leather band or metal bracelet. Find a collection of Patek Philippine stainless steel watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes. Patek Philippe watches are waterproof — some more than others. In 1979, Patek Philippe devised a watch that was fully waterproof down to 120 meters, which was astonishing for the times. However, Patek Philippe dress watches aren’t designed to be in water regularly, but two of its sport watches, the Aquanaut and the Nautilus, are designed for wearing in the water, and they’re water-resistant down to 120 meters. Shop a collection of vintage and new Patek Philippe pieces from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Patek Philippe quartz watches are battery powered, but automatic and manual winding ones are not. The batteries on quartz watches usually last for a few years before needing to be replaced. Shop iconic vintage and contemporary Patek Philippe timepieces on 1stDibs.