Pointers In The Patek
Early 20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
People Also Browsed
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 19th Century Pocket Watches
Diamond, Gold, Silver, Enamel
Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Pocket Watches
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
20th Century Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold
20th Century American Wrist Watches
Gold
Antique 1830s Swiss Neoclassical Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s Italian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
20th Century More Jewelry
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Pocket Watches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1920s Wrist Watches
Antique Mid-19th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
20th Century Pocket Watches
Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Pocket Watches
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches
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, new and classic vintage 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, new and vintage watches on 1stDibs — we promise it will be worth your time.
- What is Patek Calatrava?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Patek Calatrava is a line of luxury watches from Patek Philippe. The Swiss luxury watchmaker introduced the elegantly minimal dress watch in 1932. Its name comes from the Calatrava cross, a symbol carried by knights who defended a Spanish city during the Middle Ages. This cross has served as the Patek Philippe logo since 1887. Shop a variety of Patek Philippe Calatrava watches on 1stDibs.
- Who is Patek Philippe?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 11, 2024Patek 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.
- What Patek is most sought after?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Many Patek Philippe watches are sought after. 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. Popular Patek Philippe collections include Nautilus, Calatrava and Aquanaut. Find a range of vintage Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.
- Who bought the Tiffany Patek?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024Zach Lu bought the Tiffany Patek. The proper name of the watch is the Tiffany Blue Patek Philippe Nautilus Watch. Although he did not manage to purchase the timepiece when it originally went up for auction, Lu succeeded in buying it in early 2022. Explore a variety of Patek Philippe watches on 1stDibs.
- How is a Patek Philippe made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A 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 ExpertMarch 11, 2024Patek 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.
- Is Patek Philippe a Rolex?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023No, 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.
- Where is Patek Philippe made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Patek 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Some 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 ExpertFebruary 1, 2024What 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 ExpertMarch 31, 2023Yes, 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 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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 ExpertOctober 12, 2021Entry-level Patek Philippe watches cost approximately $19,000 to $30,000 per watch. Known for impeccable craftsmanship and some of the most complicated timepieces ever created, Patek Philippe is considered by many to be the height of fine watchmaking. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage 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, 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, 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.
Read More
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
This Piaget Gold Nugget Watch Is the Embodiment of Delicious ’70s Excess
With a tigereye dial and a most unusual bracelet, this cuff-style piece is a singular style statement.
This Sweet Diamond Watch Has a Literary Bent
Modeled on one of the most often quoted romances of the 20th century, the book-shaped timepiece has love written all over it.
Stylish Year-Round, This Pumpkin-Colored Patek Philippe Aquanaut Feels Especially Right for Fall
Celebrate the season with a Patek watch made for enjoying the outdoors.
These Watches with 1970s, 1980s and Early Aughts Flair Are Trending Right Now
Feeling a wave of Y2K nostalgia or craving disco-era glamour? Rewind with a chic retro timepiece.
Made for 1930s Polo Players, This Art Deco Watch Looks Good on Everyone
The sleek, perfectly proportioned Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso captures the spirit of an era defined by forward-looking design and technological innovation.
Audemars Piguet’s Iconic Royal Oak Watch Turns 50
As the watch world celebrates one of fine timekeeping’s most disruptive designs, AP archivist Sébastian Vivas tells tales from the piece’s storied history.