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
Patek Philippe Rare Gold Quarter Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch C1880s
By Patek Philippe
Located in Mayfair, London, London
Patek Philippe. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold Keyless Lever Quarter Repeater Half Hunter Pocket Watch Retailed by H. Pleister 312 Regent Street London. C1880s. Dial: The beautiful white e...
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
Antique Steel Pocket Watch
Located in Geneva, CH
Steel pocket watch. Height: 6.00 centimeters. We do not guarantee the functioning of this watch.
Steel
Patek Philippe Demi Hunter Pocket Watch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in Boston, MA
A Patek Philippe pocket watch crafted in 18k yellow gold. Housed in a rare Demi, or Half Hunters case accented with black enamel. The ...
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 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
Antique Silver Pocket Watch
Located in Geneva, CH
Silver pocket watch. Height: 7.00 centimeters. Gross weight: 83.44 grams. We do not guarantee the functioning of this watch.
Silver
$20,002
D 0.44 in Dm 1.97 in
18kt Yellow Gold Patek Philippe & Cie Savonette / Hunter Case Pocket Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt Yellow Gold Patek Philippe & Cie Savonette / Hunter Case Pocket Watch Movement: Manual winding. Period: Early 20th century Case: 18K Yellow gold polished case, diameter 50 mm, thickness 11 mm Dial: White enamel with black Arabic Breguet numerals...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Patek Philippe Pocket Watch with Arabic Numerals in 18k Gold
By Patek Philippe
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Patek Philippe Ref. 258729 white face pocket watch in 18K yellow gold. Featuring a mechanical hand winding movement, Arabic numeral hour...
18k Gold
Hermès Globe-Trotter Agenda Cover PM
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Alezan & Parchemine Epsom Leather Verso Globe-Trotter Agenda Cover PM Product Details Xupes Ref: CAA0118 Brand: Hermès Model: Globe-Trotter Agenda Cover PM Type: Travel Seri...
Tiffany & Co. 0.21ct Diamond 18ct Yellow Gold Diamonds by the Yard Pendant
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. 0.21ct Brilliant Cut Diamond 18ct Yellow Gold Diamonds by the Yard Pendant Product Details J1727 Brand: Tiffany & Co. Model: Diamond by the Yard Necklace Type:...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier 0.19ct Brilliant Cut Diamond Large D'amour Pendant
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier 0.19ct Brilliant Cut Diamond Large D'amour Pendant Product Details Xupes Ref: J1707 Brand: Cartier Model: D'amour Necklace Type: Necklace RRP: £2,270 Accompanied By: Xupes P...
Diamond
Tiffany & Co. 0.62ct Brilliant cut Diamond Platinum Solitaire Pendant
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. 0.62ct Brilliant cut Diamond Platinum Solitaire Pendant Product Details Xupes Ref: J971 Brand: Tiffany & Co. Model: Diamond Solitaire Pendant Type: Pendant Accompanied...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Platinum Forever Half Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Platinum Forever Half Diamond Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J1708 Brand: Tiffany & Co. Model: Forever Half Diamond Ring Type: Ring RRP: £6,100 Accompanied By...
Chopard Pavé Diamond 18ct White Gold Happy Spirit Pendant
By Chopard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Chopard Pavé Diamond 18ct White Gold Happy Spirit Pendant Product Details Xupes Ref: COMJ831 Brand: Chopard Model: Happy Spirit Pendant Type: Pendant Serial Number: undefined Age: ...
Diamond, White 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.
