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.
Harry Winston Premier 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
Harry Winston Premier 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch 23mm Model #1223. Dial: Cream color. Movement: Quarts Case: 18k Yellow Gold, Case Diameter 23 mm, weighing 65.9 Grams of 18k Yellow...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Harry Winston Premier 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch 23mm Diamond Bracelet
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and timeless ladies wristwatch from Harry Winston, crafted in solid 18K yellow gold and designed within the refined Premier collection. This sophisticated watch features ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Mother-of-Pearl Wristwatch
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Wristwatch, showcasing the Maison's renowned craftsmanship and timeless elegance. This sophisticated timepiece seamlessl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Ladies Watch with Box
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless expression of Parisian elegance, this Cartier Colisée ladies watch beautifully embodies the refined sophistication for which Ca...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère Diamond Pavé Dial 18K Yellow Gold Luxury Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional expression of Cartier's timeless elegance, this Panthère de Cartier ladies watch is crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold and lavishly adorned with diamonds throug...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier Pasha Chronograph 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Bezel Automatic Watch 38mm
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking blend of haute horology and high jewelry, this Cartier Pasha Chronograph is an exceptional statement timepiece crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold. Renowned for its ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe 3322 Ladies Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Patek Philippe Reference 3322 Wrist Watch. 16 x 20 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 piece case with hand Texturing, 20 Jewel Mechanical, manual wind Nickle lever movement, Patek Ph...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe ellipse 18kt Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch.
By Patek Philippe
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 1960s–1970s Patek Philippe 18kt Yellow Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch. Crafted in solid 18kt yellow gold, the watch features a distinctive oval-shaped case with minimalist hour...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Patek Philippe Classique 3773 18K YG Linen Dial Quartz 26mm
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A Study In Texture And Form The Patek Philippe reference 3773 is a product of the 1980s, an era when integrated bracelets and unconventional case shapes were a primary focus for the brand. This piece stands apart due to its rare and deeply textured dial. The silvered "Linen" finish, with its fine, thread-like pattern, creates a visual depth that is uncommon in the Classique line. Paired with an all-gold construction and a sharp, rectangular case, this watch represents a specific and confident style of Swiss watchmaking. The Details That Define It What elevates this example is the combination of its specific features. The full 18K yellow gold integrated case and bracelet create a seamless look on the wrist, a hallmark of high design from the period. The dial is the clear centerpiece, and the decision to use a contrasting black date wheel against the silvered background is a subtle but impactful choice. It demonstrates a level of consideration that goes beyond a standard production model, making the watch feel more deliberate and curated. A Well-Preserved Example This watch is in Very Good condition. The 18K yellow gold case is in good shape, showing honest wear but retaining its original lines. The rare linen dial is perfect, with its intricate pattern fully intact. The integrated yellow gold bracelet is in excellent shape, consistent with the overall condition of the piece. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear. For The Discerning Collector This is a watch for someone who appreciates the design-forward ethos of 1980s Patek...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold 18K Wristwatch 1960S
By Patek Philippe
Located in Geneva, CH
Patek Philippe Wristwatch ref. 3503/5 in 18K Gold. CIRCA: 1967 CASE NUMBER: 2650836 MOVEMENT NUMBER: 1137844 REF.: 3503 CASE MATERIAL: 18K y...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Ellipse Watch with Diamonds in 18k yellow gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in Berlin, BE
18k Yellow Gold Patek Philippe Ellipse Watch with Diamonds Case: 18k Yellow Gold Movement: Manual Winding Diamonds: 28 × Brilliant Cut Color: D Clarity: LR Carat: 0.10 ct each ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990s Patek Philippe Dress 3963/1J 18K YG Pave Dial Manual 32mm
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A Study In 1990s High Jewelry The reference 3963/1J represents a specific era of Patek Philippe design where high watchmaking and haute joaillerie converged. This is not a standard ...
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.
