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.
$88,000Sale Price|20% Off
Patek Philippe Platinum Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Patek Philippe Platinum Emerald and Diamond Ring A rare and elegant jewel by Patek Philippe, crafted in platinum (PT950) and signed P.P.Co. This sophisticated ring showcases a stunn...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Emerald and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful vintage emerald and diamond solitaire ring. Boasting a beautiful emerald in a classic four-claw setting, and complemented by el...
Black Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The Emerald in this ring measures 1ct and is a great colour. Either side sit a baguette and round diamond on the shoulders. The diamond total of the ring is 20pts. The ring is modell...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emeralds Maravellous Vintage Colombian Emerald Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
Stunning 5.81 Carat Fine Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Engagement Estate Engagement Wedding Ring The Emerald Platinum ring is composed by a 5.00 carat natural Colombian Emeralds...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
Patek Philippe Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
By Patek Philippe
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum 3.5CT Diamond and 2CT Emerald AGL Certificate Ring by Patek Philippe. With Round brilliant cut diamonds, VVS1 clarity, E color. Total Diamond Weight: 3.5CT. One Gorgeous Ova...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$112,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Victoria Collection Platinum & 18K Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. Victoria Collection Platinum & 18K Emerald and Diamond Ring A stunning example from Tiffany & Co.’s renowned Victoria Collection, this exquisite ring featu...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold
$21,000Sale Price / item|30% Off
8ct Emerald Forget Me Knot Ring in Platinum and Diamonds Solitaire
Located in Brisbane, AU
Custom made to your size please contact our customer service team to discuss your custom size and select your emerald. Can source an emerald speicifi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Estate Platinum Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamonds Solitaire Ring
Located in US
Mounting Is Custom Made of Solid Platinum Center Fine Natural Colombian Emerald 1.85 Carat Vivid Medium Green Side: Natural princes Cut Diamonds 0.75 Carat Clarity VS1 Color F...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Cut Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine 0.33 carat emerald cut diamond and platinum solitaire ring; part of our contemporary jewelry / estate jewelry collection. This fine contemporary emerald cut diamond solitaire...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum 1.29 Carat Vivid Green Zambian Emerald and Diamond Wedding Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Set in Platinum ( PT 900 ) , the ring has 1.29 carat of vivid green Zambian Emerald and 1.07 carat of D color VVS clarity diamond. Ring Siz...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum and 4.5 Carat Colombian Emerald Ring and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Period: Edwardian Year: c.1900-1915 Material: Edwardian Platinum and 4.5 Carat Colombian Emerald Ring and 1.75 Carats Old European Diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Emerald and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The Emerald in this ring measures 15pts and is a great colour. The total diamond weight of the shoulders is 28pts. The ring is modelled out of platinum. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Height...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Modern Emerald-Cut 0.54 Carat D VVS2 Diamond and Platinum Ring
Located in London, GB
A diamond ring, with a 0.54ct, D colour, VVS2 clarity emerald-cut diamond set horizontally, mounted in platinum. Finger size UK L ½ / US 6.
Diamond, Platinum
PATEK PHILIPPE Ellipse D'or Blue Diamond White Gold Ring
By Patek Philippe
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Ellipse D'or Blue Diamond Ring by Patek Philippe. With 30 round brilliant cut diamonds, VS1 clarity, G color. Total Diamond Weight: .75CT. Details: Size: 8 Weig...
Diamond, 18k Gold