The history of Patek Philippe watches
Collectors of high-quality watches adore Patek Philippe. The price of these watches, which symbolise excellence, have been unaffec
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Patek Philippe watches
Collectors of high-quality watches adore Patek Philippe. The price of these watches, which symbolise excellence, have been unaffected by the crisis.
The firm, founded in Geneva, the traditional home of fine watchmaking, in 1839, is among the most prestigious luxury brands in the world.
Initially bearing the name of its two historic founders, Patek and Czapek, it was only in 1851 that it was given its current name, “Patek Philippe”. This name resulted from a collaboration between two men, Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe, who was appointed the brand’s technical director when Czapek left.
A decisive turning point for the firm – which had by then been renamed "Ancienne Manufacture d’Horlogerie Patek Philippe & Cie, S. A." in 1902 – came in 1932 when it was taken over by the Stern family, which is still the sole owner. The Stern family developed numerous watches with large complications, including the Beta 21 calibre quartz watch in 1989 and, for the brand’s 150th anniversary, the calibre 89, the largest complication in the world. In 2000, the Star Caliber 2000 was developed.
Emblematic models such as the Calatrava, the Ellipse, the Aquanaut and the Nautilus reflect age-old watchmaking expertise, which has retained all its creative freedom.
A combination of refinement and advanced technology, Patek Philippe is the brand most appreciated by specialists, as well as one of the most-sold brands on the internet, setting auction records.