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.
$36,999
D 13 in Dm 13 in L 13 in
Patek Philippe Calatrava 33mm 5022/1J 18K Yellow Gold White Dial Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned very good condition. 100% factory-original watch. All photos are of the actual watch. Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully serviced and tested for water resistan...
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
Very Rare Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Ellipse Watch Ref. 4831
By Patek Philippe
Located in Dallas, TX
Very Rare Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Ellipse Watch Ref. 4831 - Quartz. Ellipse. Yellow Gold with Diamond bezel and articulated lugs ( 35 mm ). White Roman Dial. Black Patek Philippe ...
Patek Philippe Vintage Golden Ellipse 18K Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Miami, FL
Skip to the end of the images gallery Skip to the beginning of the images gallery Vintage Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 18K Yellow Gold Wristwatch 1316301 Hardly worn, elegant vintag...
Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe "Grand Ellipse" Large Yellow Gold Self Winding Wrist watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Patek Philippe "Grand Ellipse" Wrist Watch 36 x 33 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 3 piece case. Caliber 28-255 Automatic Self winding movement. Gold Satin Dial with Black Roman num...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Round Crystal Dial Leather Strap Wristwatch in Yellow Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A classic Patek Philippe wristwatch, featuring a round dial covered in crystal with hours and hands represented by yellow gold lines. Case and case back are made of 18K yellow gold. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold Calatrava 35mm
By Patek Philippe
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: Automatic, 27-460M Function: hours, minutes, seconds, month, date Case: 35mm round 18K yellow gold case, fixed bezel Dial: champagne index dial Band: 18K yellow gold mesh b...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$19,902Sale Price|20% Off
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 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
Patek Philippe Calatrava Manual Wind Roman Dial Yellow Gold Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Calatrava Manual Wind Roman Dial Wristwatch by Patek Philippe. Model: Calatrava Movement Type: Manual Wind Case Size: 33mm Crystal: Anti-glare Sapphire Weight: 40.6 grams Detail: 18k yellow gold case and buckle Case: 33mm Length: 8" Band: Black Leather Patek Philippe Band Movement: Manual Wind Hallmarks: Patek Philippe Geneve Swiss Made...
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.
