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.
Patek Philippe 5035P Complications Annual Calendar Platinum Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Patek Philippe Complications Annual Calendar Platinum Men's Watch 5035P epitomizes luxury craftsmanship. It features an automatic movement with functions including an annual calendar...
Platinum
Patek Philippe Platinum Annual Calendar Moonphase Power Reserve Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
This fantastic Patek Philippe Ref. 5056P wristwatch features a fine platinum case with a sapphire crystal, a gray dial with Roman numerals and luminous hands, Annual Calendar, day su...
Platinum
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Retrograde 5059J-001
By Patek Philippe
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Retrograde Reference 5059J-001, featuring a sophisticated perpetual calendar complication, which includes a retrograde date display between 8 and ...
18k Gold
Patek Philippe Calendar/Moonphase Men's Platinum Watch 5146 P-001
By Patek Philippe
Located in Dallas, TX
Patek Philippe Calendar/Moonphase Men's Platinum Watch 5146 P-001 - Automatic winding. Annual Calendar. Platinum waterproof case with exposition back to view movement; single diamond...
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5146G Cream Dial Watch & Papers
By Patek Philippe
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5146G-001 Men's Watch. This timepiece features a 39mm case and bezel made of 18K white gold. The cream dial is complemented by luminous white-gold hand...
18k Gold
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar White Gold 5396G-011
By Patek Philippe
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A classic Patek Philippe Annual Calendar wristwatch crafted in white gold. Featuring a silver dial with a 24-hour display, a moon phase indicator, and a date as well as a day apertur...
White Gold
$32,999
H 1.46 in W 0.4 in D 1.46 in Dm 1.46 in L 1.46 in
Patek Philippe Neptune 37mm 5085/1A-001 Steel Black Dial Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. No original box and papers. Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistance, movement calibration, and time accu...
Steel
$41,999
H 1.42 in W 0.36 in Dm 1.42 in
Patek Philippe World Time 18K White Gold Opaline Dial Automatic Watch 7130G-001
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with a Patek travel pouch and Original paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Patek Philippe Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 7130G-001 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Luxury Model: Patek Philippe World Time Vintage...
White Gold
$44,999
H 1.42 in W 0.36 in Dm 1.42 in
Patek Philippe World Time 18K White Gold Opaline Dial Automatic Watch 7130G-001
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in good condition. Comes with a Patek travel pouch and Original paper. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refun...
White Gold
Patek Philippe Calatrava 5022G White Porcelain Dial 18k WG Manual Winding
By Patek Philippe
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2322 Brand Patek Philippe Model Calatrava Reference 5022G Dial White Porcelain Dial Case 18k White Gold Bracelet Strap Diameter 33mm Movement Manual Winding Serviced Yes Box No ...
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.
