Patek Phillipe Watch History
Patek Philippe was established in 1839 in Geneva by Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek. The company became known for its innovative and prestigious timepieces, starting with a keyless winding mechanism patented in 1845 by Jean Adrien Philippe. This invention earned them recognition at the 1844 Paris Industrial Exposition.
Over the years, Patek Philippe continued to lead in innovation, creating the first double chronograph in 1902 and the “Duke of Regla” pocket watch in 1910. In 1925, they introduced their first wristwatch with a perpetual calendar, a significant milestone.
The Stern brothers invested in the company in 1932, launching the Calatrava and marking a new era of family ownership. Post-World War II, the brand further cemented its reputation with several breakthroughs, including the Gyromax balance in 1949 and the first all-electronic clock in 1956.
Entering modern times, Patek Philippe introduced the Calibre 89 in 1989, a watch with 33 complications, showcasing remarkable mechanical sophistication. Leadership continued within the Stern family, with Philippe Stern and then his son Thierry Stern introducing new collections and innovations like the Annual Calendar in 1996.
In the 21st century, Patek Philippe celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2014 and continued to innovate with new technologies and collections, maintaining its legacy as a leader in luxury watchmaking.
PATEK PHILIPPE FAQ'S
- Craftsmanship: Check for exceptional craftsmanship with flawless finishing.
- Movement: The movement should be very smooth, a sign of high-quality mechanics.
- Engravings and Stamps: Look for precise and clear engravings and stamps on the watch.
- Documentation: Authentic watches will come with a certificate of authenticity and a warranty card, each matching the serial number on the watch.
- Price: Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, genuine Patek Philippe watches are typically very expensive.
- Seller Reputation: Purchase from reputable sellers or authorized dealers to avoid counterfeits.
Patek Philippe is pronounced as "Pah-tek Fih-leep."
Patek Philippe manufactures around 60,000 watches each year. This limited production adds to their exclusivity and value.
Patek Philippe watches are expensive due to their limited production, exceptional craftsmanship, use of high-quality materials.. The brand's long history and reputation also contribute to the high prices of their watches.
The Stern family owns Patek Philippe, with Thierry Stern serving as the president of the company since 2009.
- Craftsmanship: Check for exceptional craftsmanship with flawless finishing.
- Movement: The movement should be very smooth, indicative of high-quality mechanics.
- Engravings and Stamps: Look for precise and clear engravings and stamps on the watch.
- Documentation: Authentic watches will come with a certificate of authenticity and a warranty card, each matching the serial number on the watch.
- Price: Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true; genuine Patek Philippe watches are typically very expensive.
- Seller Reputation: Purchase from reputable sellers or authorized dealers to avoid counterfeits.