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 Silver Deck Chronometer
By Patek Philippe
Located in New Orleans, LA
This distinguished 1911 Patek Philippe naval deck chronometer showcases precision timekeeping at its finest. The timepiece almost certainly garnered second-prize honors at the presti...
Silver
Antique Art Deco 1920s Patek Philippe & Cie Gold Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold. Signed by Patek Philippe Circa early 1920s 43.4 mm face
18k Gold
Patek Philippe ref 600 Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950 Patek Philippe reference 600 Pocket Watch, 43 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 3 piece case, 18 Jewel, mechanical, manual wind Nickle lever movement. Original and Mint condition Silve...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Gilbert Albert Pocket Watch 18k YG
By Patek Philippe
Located in SYDNEY, AU
SKU 2266 Brand Patek Philippe Model Gilbert Albert Pocket Watch Diameter 41mm x 35.6mm Movement Manual Winding Weight 34.3g Box No Papers No
$20,014Sale Price|30% Off
W 1.78 in D 0.24 in L 2.29 in
Patek Philippe 1950s Yellow 18K Gold Open Face Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe. A Gold Elegant Pocket Watch & Chain 1960
By Patek Philippe
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Patek Philippe. An 18ct Yellow Gold Elegant Pocket Watch & Matching Gold Chain (13.43grams) C1960. Dial: A beautiful silver opaline dial signed Patek Philippe Genève with batons...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid Gold Art Deco Pocket Watch circa 1893
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1893 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 51mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Windi...
18k Gold
Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, Stainless Steel circa 1950 collector item
By Patek Philippe
Located in Ermatingen, TG
Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, circa 1950 in stainless steel wristwatch for ladies in the original box Case: Stainless steel. Dial: Matte white with Arabic gold numerals and appli...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Patek Philippe 3506/3G 18K White Gold Silver Dial Vintage Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Patek Philippe Reference 3506/2 features a case size of 30mm by 27mm from lug to lug, enhancing its vintage charm and making it a comfortable fit on a 6.75-inch wrist. This compa...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Patek Philippe XIX Century Open-Face 18k Gold Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Patek Philippe XIX Century Open-Face Gold Pocket Watch dated January 13 1891 Serial number 96510 and contrast number 213206 Expressly made for JJ Freman Toledo, O Beautiful 43m/1.69 in 18k gold case external lid. Internal lid is plain. Gold sphere, rubys. Protecting cover and front opening. Roman numerals. Porcelaine of sphere is scratched on right down side condition, Working condition t 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 Geneva last November, in case anyone’s wondering). 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. 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...
Ruby, Gold, 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...
Elgin 23 Jewel Veritas Up Down Indicator Very Rare 18 Size Railroad Pocket Watch
By Elgin
Located in Dallas, TX
Elgin 23 Jewel Veritas Up Down Indicator Very Rare 18 Size Railroad Pocket Watch - Manual winding. Very Nice Plain Polish 20 Year Gold Filled Screw Back And Bezel Case. White Enamel ...
Waltham Presidential Presentation Model 1862 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch
By Waltham
Located in Dallas, TX
Waltham Presidential Presentation Model 1862 18K Yellow Gold Pocket Watch - Manual winding; 15 Jewels. heavy 18K gold original P.B. HC with black ...
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...
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 ...
Illinois Watch Co. Currier Gold Filled Pocket Watch
By Illinois Watch Company
Located in Dallas, TX
Illinois Watch Co. Currier Gold Filled Pocket Watch - Manual winding; Key wind, Key set. Gold filed ornate engraving ( 54 mm ). White dial with Roman...
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.
