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 1960s Patek Philippe 3310 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Dial Manual 29mm
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A Window To The Golden Era The 1960s were a period of immense creativity for Patek Philippe, a time when watch design broke free from convention. This reference 3310 is a product of...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Patek Philippe Ellipse 3545 18k YG Champagne Dial Manual 32mm
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A Subversion Of The Golden Ratio The Patek Philippe Ellipse is an icon of design, a case shape derived from the classical golden ratio that is neither round nor rectangular. The ref...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Patek Philippe Ellipse 3584/1 18K YG Champagne Dial Manual 27mm
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A Design Rooted In Perfect Proportions The Golden Ellipse is one of the three foundational pillars of the Patek Philippe catalog, sitting alongside the Calatrava and Nautilus. Intro...
18k Gold, 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 Calatrava Arte Suizo Signed Watch in 18k yellow gold, 1970s
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 3445 automatic in 18K yellow gold with a silver sunburst dial from the '70s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. It features...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Patek Philippe Jumbo Ellipse 18K YG Champagne Dial Quartz 35mm
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
A Foundation Of Pure Design The Golden Ellipse is one of the three pillars of the Patek Philippe catalog, sitting alongside the Calatrava and the Nautilus as a design in continuous ...
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
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
Vintage Patek Philippe Calatrava 3525 32mm Champagne Dial 18k Yellow Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 3525J Model: Patek Philippe Calatrava Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Band: 18k Yellow Gold. Wrist size 7.25 Inch. band has some wear Bezel: 18k Yello...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Vintage Calatrava Reference 3484 in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A distinguished Patek Philippe Calatrava, model 3484. The round case is meticulously crafted from 18k yellow gold, featuring a champagne sunburst dia...
18k Gold
Patek Philippe Calatrava Vintage Ref 2545 Yellow Gold Mechanical Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 2545, 32 M.M. 18K yellow Gold 2 piece case with Water Proof Back, 18 Jewel, Caliber 12-400 Mechani...
18k 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
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.
