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.
Antique Art Deco Platinum Glycine 4.41tcw Diamond Handwind Ladies Watch
By Glycine
Located in New York, NY
Elegant antique Art Deco ladies wristwatch by Glycine crafted in platinum and set throughout with diamonds. The rectangular case is framed by baguette cut diamonds along the sides an...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Eterna Birks Challenger Diamond Ladies Watch
By Eterna
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Birks Challenger ladies watch is a beautifully refined example of early wristwatch design, combining platinum construction with 0.51 carats total weight of diamonds in a...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Longines 14K White Gold Diamond Dial Hand Wind Men's Watch
By Longines
Located in New York, NY
A refined example of mid-century elegance, this vintage Longines men’s watch is crafted in solid 14K white gold, showcasing the brand’s tim...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco Platinum Shreve & Co 1.00tcw Diamond Hand Wind Ladies Watch
Located in New York, NY
An elegant Art Deco ladies watch by Shreve & Co., crafted with a platinum case and adorned with sparkling diamonds that highlight the refined geometry typical of the 1920s–1930s ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Hamilton 1.08tcw Diamond Women's Cocktail Watch
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
This Art Deco Hamilton ladies watch is a beautifully refined example of early 20th century watch design, combining the elegance of platinum with 1.08 carats total weight of diamonds in a distinctly period setting. Hamilton is especially important in American horology, and vintage ladies watches from the brand remain desirable for their quality, design, and connection to an era when wristwatches were often created as both functional timepieces and fine jewelry. The Art Deco styling gives this piece added collector appeal, as the strong geometry, diamond accents, and slender proportions reflect the sophistication that defines the period. Its platinum case provides a luxurious and durable setting for the diamonds, while the gold filled bracelet clasp adds a practical vintage detail true to many original examples. Elegant, wearable, and rich in period character, this is a lovely antique ladies watch...
Diamond, Platinum
Glycine Watch Co Art Deco Platinum 4.03tcw Diamond Women's Watch
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite timepiece features a rectangular face adorned with intricate diamond detailing along the bezel. The watch showcases a delicate floral motif at the top and bottom, enha...
Diamond, Platinum
Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. Lady's Platinum Wristwatch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, for Tiffany & Co, circa 1924, is a fine Art Déco, platinum, diamonds and onyx rectangular,women's wristwatch with platinum and diamond mesh ba...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 X 9 M.M. 2 Piece Platinum Case set with European cut Diamonds totaling 1 Carat, the case sides and back are fu...
Diamond, Platinum
Patek Philippe "24" Ladies Steel and Diamond Quartz Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2010 Patek Philippe "24" Reference 4900 / 10A-001 Wrist watch, 30 x 25 M.M. 2 piece Stainless Steel case with Factory set Diamonds, Sapphire Crown, Quartz movement, Gray Dial w...
Diamond, Steel
Patek Philippe 18 Karat White Gold Tonneau Shape Wristwatch with Carved Bezel
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe, Geneve STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Ref. 3528 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid White Gold CIRCA: 1970 DIMENSIONS: Length 38mm X Width 26mm MOVEMENT ...
White 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...
Retro Ladies Platinum Patek Philippe 11 Carat Diamond Watch & Brooche circa 1950
By Patek Philippe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ladies Original Platinum Patek Philippe set with 11 Carats of Natural Diamonds, Circa 1950. (With Original Attachment Brooche). Total weight of watch an...
Diamond, Platinum
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.
