Patek Philippe
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.
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21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Patek Philippe
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Patek Philippe
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21st Century and Contemporary Patek Philippe
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Patek Philippe jewelry & watches for sale 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 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 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 ExpertDecember 12, 2023What 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 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 ExpertMay 5, 2023Yes, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, 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.
- 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 ExpertNovember 21, 2023No 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 11, 2024Which 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. - 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 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.
- 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.
- Is Patek Philippe made of gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 11, 2024To 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. - 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The best Patek Philippe watch is ultimately a matter of opinion. Since its founding in 1839, demand has soared for the wide range of sophisticated timepieces that the legendary watchmaker has brought into the world. Whether you gravitate toward the Calatrava, the Nautilus or another model, Patek Philippe has crafted many different watches that offer various levels of complexity and design. Shop a large collection of vintage and contemporary Patek Philippe watches to suit any taste on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024Many watch lovers believe that Patek Philippe is worth the price. It shouldn’t be surprising that 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. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Patek Philippe watches is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find Patek Philippe watches and other watches for sale on 1stDibs.