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.
Vintage Patek Philippe Wristwatch 18KT White Gold, Circa 1980's
By Patek Philippe
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch crafted in solid 18KT white gold, dating to the 1980s and presented with its original integrated bracelet. The watch features a refined square cus...
18k Gold, White Gold
Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid White Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1970's
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Reference 4179-1 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 20mm X Width ...
18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Patek Philippe 3982/1G 18K WG Diamond Sapphire Dial Quartz 32mm
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
The Apex Of Horology And High Jewelry This is a high-catalog Patek Philippe, a class of watch that exists beyond the standard production line. The reference 3982 represents a period...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Patek Philippe 18k White Gold Model 3625/1G Haute Joaillerie Full Set
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Patek Philippe Model: 3625/1G Haute Joaillerie Year: 1981 Material: 18k White Gold and Diamonds Dial: Onyx with Pavé Diamond and Diamond Baguette Bezel Case Measurement: 33mm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
PATEK PHILIPPE – Ref. 3355/8, Lady’s Vintage Haute Joaillerie Dress Watch, 18K
By Patek Philippe
Located in Antwerp, BE
PATEK PHILIPPE – Ref. 3355/8, Lady’s Vintage Haute Joaillerie Dress Watch, 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond-Set Bezel with Integrated Mesh Bracelet, Manual-Wind Movement, Circa 1970s Ove...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Patek Philippe Ref. 4173/2 – Rare Diamond-Set 18K White Gold Bracelet Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Antwerp, BE
Patek Philippe Ref. 4173/2 – Rare Diamond-Set 18K White Gold Bracelet Watch Blue Sunburst Dial Circa 1983 Strap Length : 15,5 mm ( can be made longer on demand by our goldsmith) Patek Philippe Ref. 4173/2 – Rare Diamond-Set 18K White Gold Bracelet Watch Blue Sunburst Dial Circa 1983 An elegant and highly collectible Patek Philippe Ref. 4173/2, crafted in 18-karat white gold and distinguished by its refined integrated bracelet design and brilliant diamond-set bezel. Produced in 1983, this rare ladies' timepiece beautifully embodies the sophisticated jewelry-watch creations for which Patek Philippe became renowned during the late twentieth century. The watch features a striking sunburst cobalt blue dial with applied baton hour markers, framed by a bezel set with approximately 32 brilliant-cut diamonds. The finely executed integrated white gold bracelet, composed of distinctive openwork oval links, creates a seamless and luxurious appearance on the wrist. Powered by a high-quality manual-winding Patek Philippe movement, the watch combines discreet elegance with exceptional Geneva craftsmanship. The harmonious contrast between the vibrant blue dial, sparkling diamonds, and sculptural bracelet makes this reference one of the most attractive and wearable vintage Patek Philippe jewelry...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,495
W 0.52 in L 1.3 in
1940's Patek Philippe Vintage Ladies Ref. 1189 Watch - 18K White Gold & Diamonds
By Patek Philippe
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
White Gold
Patek Philippe Classique White Gold and Diamond Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Patek Philippe Classique White Gold and Diamond Watch Details: Face hallmark: Patek Philippe Stamped on strap clasp: 750, Patek Philippe,...
Diamond, White Gold
1955 Patek Philippe Vintage Ladies Fancy Lug Watch - 18K Gold & Diamonds
By Patek Philippe
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
18k Gold
Patek Philippe Twenty-4 White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch 4920G (4920)
By Patek Philippe
Located in Dallas, TX
Patek Philippe Twenty-4 White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch 4920G (4920) - Quartz. Twenty-4. 18k white gold case with diamond bezel (25mm x 30mm). Grey dial with diamond hour markers and...
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.
