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Patek Philippe Rare

Patek Philippe Rare Gold Quarter Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s
Patek Philippe Rare Gold Quarter Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s

Patek Philippe Rare Gold Quarter Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Patek Philippe. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Quarter Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch Retailed by H.

Category

Antique 19th Century Swiss Retro Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Patek Philippe Nautilus 3712/1A-001
Rare Patek Philippe Nautilus 3712/1A-001

Rare Patek Philippe Nautilus 3712/1A-001

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Very Rare Stainless Steel Nautilus Wristwatch by Patek Philippe.

Category

Early 2000s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe. A Rare Gold Hunter Chronograph 1908
Patek Philippe. A Rare Gold Hunter Chronograph 1908

Patek Philippe. A Rare Gold Hunter Chronograph 1908

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Patek Philippe. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Hunter Chronograph Pocket Watch C1900.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Patek Philippe Edwardian Pendant Watch
Patek Philippe Edwardian Pendant Watch

Patek Philippe Edwardian Pendant Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in New Orleans, LA

Exquisitely crafted by Patek Philippe, this rare Edwardian Belle Époque pendant watch exemplifies the height of Swiss artistry and design.

Category

20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

Patek Philippe, Elegant & Rare 18k YGold Chronograph "Ref. 130" Wristwatch, 1947
Patek Philippe, Elegant & Rare 18k YGold Chronograph "Ref. 130" Wristwatch, 1947

Patek Philippe, Elegant & Rare 18k YGold Chronograph "Ref. 130" Wristwatch, 1947

By Patek Philippe

Located in Paris, FR

The case is in excellent condition and original hallmarks are still partly visible, which is rare for a 1947 watch. With its original 18K Gold Patek Philippe Buckle.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

18kt Yellow Gold Very Rare Patek Philippe & Co. Gold Keychain / Keyholder
18kt Yellow Gold Very Rare Patek Philippe & Co. Gold Keychain / Keyholder

18kt Yellow Gold Very Rare Patek Philippe & Co. Gold Keychain / Keyholder

By Patek Philippe

Located in Antwerp, BE

Very Rare Collectable Patek Philippe & Co Gold Keychain / Keyholder In 18 Kt yellow Gold Don t miss this unique collectors piece !

Category

Vintage 1970s Artisan More Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rare Patek Philippe 5050R 18K Pink Gold Retrograde Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch
Rare Patek Philippe 5050R 18K Pink Gold Retrograde Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch

Rare Patek Philippe 5050R 18K Pink Gold Retrograde Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Switzerland, CH

Beautiful Patek Philippe 5050R Retrograde Perpetual Calendar 18K rose gold case with an 18K rose gold tang buckle Case in excellent condition with clear and bold hallmarks Baton Nume...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Rare Vintage Patek Philippe Ellipse Jumbo 3605 Blue Dial 18K White Gold
Rare Vintage Patek Philippe Ellipse Jumbo 3605 Blue Dial 18K White Gold

Rare Vintage Patek Philippe Ellipse Jumbo 3605 Blue Dial 18K White Gold

By Patek Philippe

Located in San Diego, CA

Style Number: 3605 (3605/2G-200) Model: Vintage Patek Philippe Jumbo Ellipse Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: 18K White Gold Bezel: 18K White Gold Dial:...

Category

1990s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Patek Philippe Ref. 4173/2 – Rare Diamond-Set 18K White Gold Bracelet Watch
Patek Philippe Ref. 4173/2 – Rare Diamond-Set 18K White Gold Bracelet Watch

Patek Philippe Ref. 4173/2 – Rare Diamond-Set 18K White Gold Bracelet Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Antwerp, BE

Patek Philippe Ref. 4173/2 – Rare Diamond-Set 18K White Gold Bracelet Watch Blue Sunburst Dial Circa 1983 Strap Length : 15,5 mm ( can be made longer on demand by our goldsmith) ...

Category

20th Century Swiss Artisan Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1940's Patek Philippe Vintage Mens 18K Gold Watch - Very Fine & Rare with Warran
1940's Patek Philippe Vintage Mens 18K Gold Watch - Very Fine & Rare with Warran

1940's Patek Philippe Vintage Mens 18K Gold Watch - Very Fine & Rare with Warran

By Patek Philippe

Located in Suwanee, GA

NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo 38mm Yellow Gold 5065/1J-001
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo 38mm Yellow Gold 5065/1J-001

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo 38mm Yellow Gold 5065/1J-001

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A rare Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo reference 5065/1J-001, crafted in 18k yellow gold and featuring a black semi-gloss embossed dial detailed with luminous gold hands, applied gold ...

Category

1990s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Lady Ellipse 4464 Tiffany Double Stamp 18k WG 1980s
Patek Philippe Lady Ellipse 4464 Tiffany Double Stamp 18k WG 1980s

Patek Philippe Lady Ellipse 4464 Tiffany Double Stamp 18k WG 1980s

By Patek Philippe

Located in SYDNEY, AU

Patek Philippe Lady Ellipse 4464 – Tiffany Double Stamp, Blue Sunburst Dial, 18k White Gold (1980s) A truly rare and collectible example of Patek Philippe craftsmanship, this Lady E...

Category

Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

PATEK PHILIPPE  DE LIMOGES VIDE POCHE Ashtray
PATEK PHILIPPE  DE LIMOGES VIDE POCHE Ashtray

PATEK PHILIPPE DE LIMOGES VIDE POCHE Ashtray

Located in Berlin, DE

Patek Philippe ashtray Verry Rare ashtray original box

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ashtrays

Materials

Porcelain

1918 Longines Tiffany & Co. Caliber 13.33 Mens World War I Military Chronograph
1918 Longines Tiffany & Co. Caliber 13.33 Mens World War I Military Chronograph

1918 Longines Tiffany & Co. Caliber 13.33 Mens World War I Military Chronograph

By Longines

Located in Suwanee, GA

Very few of even the top chronograph watches use "in-house" produced caliber; iconic movements that power distinguished watches like the Rolex Daytona, Gallet Multichron 12, or even ...

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Recent Sales

2022 Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990/1A
2022 Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990/1A

2022 Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990/1A

By Patek Philippe

Located in London, GB

The Ref. 5990/1A-001 Nautilus Travel Time chronograph is one of Patek Philippe’s rare steel watches. It features a new blue dial with a ray sunburst dial and a delicate black gradati...

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

Rare Patek Philippe Pocket Watch
Rare Patek Philippe Pocket Watch

Rare Patek Philippe Pocket Watch

Unavailable

H 0.16 in Dm 2.09 in

Rare Patek Philippe Pocket Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Rome, IT

Patek Philippe pocket watch for Hausmann, 1942, hands Luigi Filippo, roman enamelled numbers, Ref 881222. original leather box. It could be a piece of history, because in 1942, in R...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Collectible Jewelry

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref#3450 18kyg Rare 1980s Watch
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref#3450 18kyg Rare 1980s Watch

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref#3450 18kyg Rare 1980s Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in New York, NY

PATEK PHILIPPE REF. #3450 PERPETUAL CALENDAR 18KYG RAREST 1980S WATCH - BRAND NEW W/ ORIGINAL BOX, PAPERS, & BOOKLET ITEM DESCRIPTION: Patek Philippe only made very few models of...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe Tegola "Hour Glass" 41mm 1593
Patek Philippe Tegola "Hour Glass" 41mm 1593

Patek Philippe Tegola "Hour Glass" 41mm 1593

By Patek Philippe

Located in Surfside, FL

Very fine & rare vintage Patek Philippe Tegola "Hour Glass" in platinum with factory diamond dial in platinum on an elegant custom platinum mesh link band.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Platinum

Patek Philippe Gold Bracelet Wristwatch, Ref.4241
Patek Philippe Gold Bracelet Wristwatch, Ref.4241

Patek Philippe Gold Bracelet Wristwatch, Ref.4241

By Patek Philippe

Located in New York City, NY

This is a Patek Philippe, fine, rare and heavy 18K yellow gold rectangular bracelet watch.

Category

Swiss Wrist Watches

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 1463 circa 1955
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 1463 circa 1955

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Chronograph Wristwatch Ref 1463 circa 1955

By Patek Philippe

Located in Munich, Bavaria

Patek Philippe Ref. 1463 Case 18k yellow gold, screw back, acrylic glass, 35mm Movement 13''', manual wind Dial Original dial and hands Bracelet Original croco leath...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe by Gilbert Albert Yellow Gold Asymmetrical Pocket Watch
Patek Philippe by Gilbert Albert Yellow Gold Asymmetrical Pocket Watch

Patek Philippe by Gilbert Albert Yellow Gold Asymmetrical Pocket Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An unusual and rare Patek Philippe keyless lever pocket watch with fitted chain in 18k yellow gold.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold

1960s Patek Philippe Jade Swan Mantle Solar Clock, Largest known
1960s Patek Philippe Jade Swan Mantle Solar Clock, Largest known

1960s Patek Philippe Jade Swan Mantle Solar Clock, Largest known

By Patek Philippe

Located in New york, NY

An Extremely Rare & Magnificent Patek Philippe Jade Swan Solar Clock Featured as one of Hodinkee's top picks, the present clock is an extremely rare and magnificent Patek Philippe ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Regency Wrist Watches

Materials

Jade, Brass

Patek Philippe "42" Platinum Curved Hinged Case Art Deco Watch
Patek Philippe "42" Platinum Curved Hinged Case Art Deco Watch

Patek Philippe "42" Platinum Curved Hinged Case Art Deco Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Introduction: This extremely rare Patek Philippe Art Deco watch was purchased from the original family and has not been restored or polished.

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe Rare Lady's Rose Gold Wristwatch with Unusual Case
Patek Philippe Rare Lady's Rose Gold Wristwatch with Unusual Case

Patek Philippe Rare Lady's Rose Gold Wristwatch with Unusual Case

By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

Patek Philippe rare lady's 18k rose gold wristwatch with unusual case, circa 1940s, with original rose gold buckle and original Patek Philippe box.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Patek Philippe Rare Lapis Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cufflinks
Patek Philippe Rare Lapis Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cufflinks

Patek Philippe Rare Lapis Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cufflinks

By Patek Philippe

Located in Simpsonville, SC

These Patek Philippe Rare Lapis Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cufflinks embody timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship.

Category

Late 20th Century Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Rare Yellow Gold Minute Repeater Watch Retailed by Tiffany & Co
Patek Philippe Rare Yellow Gold Minute Repeater Watch Retailed by Tiffany & Co

Patek Philippe Rare Yellow Gold Minute Repeater Watch Retailed by Tiffany & Co

By Patek Philippe

Located in Dallas, TX

Patek Philippe rare and collectible 18k yellow gold minute repeater pocket watch, retailed by Tiffany & Co., with manual-wind movement. 18k yellow gold case with platinum monogram wi...

Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Steel Vintage Gents Wristwatch
PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Steel Vintage Gents Wristwatch

PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Steel Vintage Gents Wristwatch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa: 1940s gents Patek Philippe in a 2 Piece signed and numbered Stainless Steel case with slide Opening Mechinism. 21 M.M. Round Manual Wind Movement. Raised markers on an Excelle...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Patek Philippe Rare yellow Gold Hunting Case Pocket Watch
Patek Philippe Rare yellow Gold Hunting Case Pocket Watch

Patek Philippe Rare yellow Gold Hunting Case Pocket Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Dallas, TX

Rare Patek Philippe 18k yellow gold pocket watch with unusual high relief hunting case, manual-wind movement, 20 jewels, movement signed Patek Philippe & Co.

Category

Swiss Pocket Watches

PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Stainless Steel Pocket Watch circa 1940s
PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Stainless Steel Pocket Watch circa 1940s

PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Stainless Steel Pocket Watch circa 1940s

By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

The present model is extremely rare as Patek Philippe simply did not produce many watches in stainless steel in the middle of the 20th Century.

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch
PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch

PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Dallas, TX

Manual winding; 18 jewel nickel movement. 18k yellow gold case, 12 size, beautifully engraved Art Deco style leaf design with blue enamel accents, back engraved with initials FCS. Si...

Category

Swiss Pocket Watches

Patek Philippe Rare Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar 5136/1J-001
Patek Philippe Rare Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar 5136/1J-001

Patek Philippe Rare Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar 5136/1J-001

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A rare 37 mm Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar in yellow gold by Patek Philippe.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

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

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A rare Patek Philippe silver and gold, keyless lever open face dress pocket watch, C1920s.

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Patek Philippe Rare Yellow Gold Chronometro Gondolo Open Face Pocket Watch
Patek Philippe Rare Yellow Gold Chronometro Gondolo Open Face Pocket Watch

Patek Philippe Rare Yellow Gold Chronometro Gondolo Open Face Pocket Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Dallas, TX

Patek Philippe 18k yellow gold Chonometro Gondolo open face pocket watch, serial number 168824, circa 1912, with guilloche back, 50mm diameter.

Category

20th Century Swiss Edwardian Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Rare Cocktail Dress Watch Vintage Lapis Lazuli Set 4241
Patek Philippe Rare Cocktail Dress Watch Vintage Lapis Lazuli Set 4241

Patek Philippe Rare Cocktail Dress Watch Vintage Lapis Lazuli Set 4241

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Rare 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Women's Dress Wristwatch, lapis lazuli dial, a fixed 18k yellow gold bezel, an 18k yellow gold fancy bracelet set with 22 lapiz lazuli panels, an 18k y...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Rare Nautilus Tiffany & CO. NOS 5711/1A-010
Patek Philippe Rare Nautilus Tiffany & CO. NOS 5711/1A-010

Patek Philippe Rare Nautilus Tiffany & CO. NOS 5711/1A-010

By Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co.

Located in Mayfair, London, London

This watch is fitted with sapphire crystals and a calibre 26-330 self-winding automatic movement that can be admired via the exhibition case back. This rare timepiece comes complete...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Yellow Gold Ref 565 with Center Seconds circa 1950s
PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Yellow Gold Ref 565 with Center Seconds circa 1950s

PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Yellow Gold Ref 565 with Center Seconds circa 1950s

By Patek Philippe

Located in Chicago, IL

Patek Philippe, Ref. 565, 18k yellow gold, water resistant screw-back case with inside dust cover, 18-Jewel manual-wind nickel lever movement, original silvered dial with applied gol...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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

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

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A very rare vintage Cocktail watch by Patek Philippe in yellow gold.

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960 PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Albert Gilbert "Manta Ray" Ladies 18K Gold Watch
1960 PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Albert Gilbert "Manta Ray" Ladies 18K Gold Watch

1960 PATEK PHILIPPE Rare Albert Gilbert "Manta Ray" Ladies 18K Gold Watch

By Patek Philippe

Located in Suwanee, GA

We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Patek Philippe Rare Open Face Pocket Watch Vintage White Lacquered Dial 652/22
Patek Philippe Rare Open Face Pocket Watch Vintage White Lacquered Dial 652/22

Patek Philippe Rare Open Face Pocket Watch Vintage White Lacquered Dial 652/22

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Rare 18k Yellow Gold Open Face 44mm Vintage Gents Pocket Watch, white lacquered dial with roman numerals, small seconds at 6 0'clock, a fixed 18k yellow gold bezel, plastic glass, ...

Category

20th Century Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Rare Vintage Hooded Lugs 18 Karat Gold Black Dial 580, circa 1938
Patek Philippe Rare Vintage Hooded Lugs 18 Karat Gold Black Dial 580, circa 1938

Patek Philippe Rare Vintage Hooded Lugs 18 Karat Gold Black Dial 580, circa 1938

By Patek Philippe

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Rare 18k Rose Gold Hooded Lugs Vintage Gents 21mm Wristwatch, black dial with applied hour markers and applied arabic numbers 2, 4, 8, 10 & 12, small seconds at 6 0'clock, a fixed ...

Category

20th Century Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Patek Philippe White Gold Jumbo Ellipse Blue Dial Automatic Wristwatch Ref 3605/
Patek Philippe White Gold Jumbo Ellipse Blue Dial Automatic Wristwatch Ref 3605/

Patek Philippe White Gold Jumbo Ellipse Blue Dial Automatic Wristwatch Ref 3605/

By Patek Philippe

Located in Miami, FL

Vintage Patek Philippe Rare Ellipse Collection, Circa 1970's, Automatic movement ref 3605, 18k white gold case and integrated mesh bracelet, sunburst metallic blue dial with applie...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swazi Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold

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Patek Philippe Rare For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the patek philippe rare you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 63 antique edition and 6 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a patek philippe rare may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic patek philippe rare over the years, but those made by Patek Philippe and Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A patek philippe rare of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 4, is particularly popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also french cut cut and mixed cut cut versions available here, too. Finding a patek philippe rare for sale for men should be easy, but there are 31 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as women, too.

How Much is a Patek Philippe Rare?

On average, a patek philippe rare at 1stDibs sells for $19,996, while they’re typically $3,500 on the low end and $813,993 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Patek Philippe for sale on 1stDibs

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.

Finding the Right Watches for You

Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs.

While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind. 

Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. 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.

Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic 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 watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory. 

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

When shopping for a watch, 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 exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.