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.
18K Yellow Gold 0.60ct Diamond and Sapphire Ring MF07-011626
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A bold, statement-making 18K Yellow Gold setting provides the perfect foundation for this impressive luxury ring. Round-cut Diamonds totaling 0.60 carats add plenty of sparkle to the...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 2.50ct Diamond and Sapphire Ring MF29-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A ring that commits fully to its richness. This yellow gold piece features a 3.91-carat blue sapphire set east-west, its elongated form held high by four corner prongs that keep the ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.44ct Diamond and Sapphire Ring MF11-011626
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This luxury ring is incredibly unique. At the top of the design, Sapphires with a total weight of 1.38 carats alternate with Diamonds totaling 1.44 carats. Set in 18K Yellow Gold, a ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 0.64ct Diamond and Sapphire Ring MF18-062426
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
An elegant band ring in 18K yellow gold, set with alternating pairs of oval-cut blue sapphires totaling approximately 1.00 carat and round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 0...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 1.0ct Diamond and Sapphire Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A wrapped design makes this vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring a unique piece that will complement any ensemble. Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Diamonds with a total weight of 1.0 carats a...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 2.45ct Diamond Wide Band Ring MF40-122325
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Relying on pattern and proportion to make its statement, this yellow gold ring features six rows of diamonds set across its wide surface. Round diamonds, totaling 2.45 carats, are cl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Launched in 1932, the model has become emblematic of quality craftsmanship and timeless design.
A true icon of the much-coveted category of World Time watches, this rare model represents an important milestone in the history of one of the brand's signature complications.
