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 for Shreve Crump & Low Platinum Diamond 1920s Ladies Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Patek Philippe Ladies Bracelet Wrist Watch retailed by Shreve Crump & Low, 24 X 13 M.M. Platinum case set with Old cut Diamonds. Hand Engraved ...
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
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
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
Art Deco Belvil 900 Platinum Diamond Hand Wind Watch
Located in New York, NY
This Art Deco ladies watch is a beautifully refined example of early wristwatch design, combining 900 platinum construction with diamond accents in a graceful and highly collectible ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Ladies Wristwatch with Diamonds
Located in Toledo, OH
A stunning Art Deco style platinum ladies wristwatch with diamonds. This beautiful watch features a platinum case surrounded by 1.75-carat of diamonds. The case is marked 900 platinu...
Platinum
Baume & Mercier Platinum Handmade Ladies Art Deco Watch, circa 1940s
By Baume & Mercier
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Baume & Mercier Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum / Diamond CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 58mm X Width 10mm MOV...
Patek Philippe Tiffany & Co. Platinum Diamond Art Deco Manual Wristwatch, 1920s
By Patek Philippe
Located in Water Mill, NY
Unique 1920's Patek Philippe Platinum 4.00 cts Diamond Art Deco Wristwatch Retailed by Tiffany with Silk Band and Original Platinum Clasp...Manual Wind In Running Condition. Dial sig...
Diamond, Platinum
Mauboussin Paris Art Deco Platinum & Diamond Ladies Wrist Watch C. 1920
By Mauboussin
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A Mauboussin Art Deco watch, crafted in the early 20th century in France. The rectangular case measures 10mm in width, made from platinum. The dial f...
Diamond, Platinum
Gubelin Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Manual Winding Dress Watch, circa 1930s
By Gubelin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gubelin Jewelers STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum DIMENSIONS: Length 36mm X Width 13mm CIRCA: 1930's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 18 J...
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.
