While many factors contribute to the high cost of Patek Philippe watches, four of the most important reasons include quality, handwork, heritage, and value. A premium watchmaker, Patek Philippe creates timepieces that are typically made from precious metals and stones, like gold, platinum, and diamond.
Patek Philippe is considered one of the highest-end luxury watchmakers. In fact, it's part of the so-called Holy Trinity, with Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet, and they've been making great watches since 1830.
Higher Price Range: Patek Philippe watches are generally more expensive than Rolex watches, primarily due to their intricate craftsmanship, complications, and limited production numbers.
Simply put, Patek owners know that they have the very best in craftsmanship, heritage and design sitting on their wrists — and once you've owned a , nothing else will do. It's said that fewer than one million Patek Philippe watches have been made since 1839.
With the high quality craftsmanship that goes into each model, it is clear to see why the Patek Philippe watches make great investments due to their high value that increases over time. With unparalleled designs and excellent finishing details and movements, the Patek Philippe timepieces are like no other.
Patek Philippe arguably owns the top-tier of high-horology. Once, the most expensive watch ever sold was a Patek Philippe with many complications and sold for over 11 million dollars, second only to a Rolex that was worn by Paul Newman.
Can you wear a Patek every day? Even the most costly precious metal watches, such as the Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph, may and should be worn on a daily basis.
The Stern family of Switzerland has owned Patek Philippe since 1932, when Charles Stern and Jean Stern acquired the company during the Great Depression.
A Patek Philippe watch can last anywhere from four to eight years, depending on the complexity of the movement of the watch. But as long as the watch is serviced and properly cared for, any luxury watch will last a lifetime. On 1stDibs, find vintage and modern Patek Philippe pieces.
Brands like Patek Philippe and Rolex are renowned for their traditional designs, offering watches that exude sophistication and professionalism. If you wear a traditional watch, you likely value reliability and understated elegance, and you may be seen as someone who is dependable and grounded.
If you are looking for a reliable watch that will maintain its value over time, it is noteworthy that Patek Phillipe models are renowned for maintaining their value, regardless of the current economic climate, and many models of this prestigious watch even increase in value.
Patek may still be tops in terms of pure prestige, but Rolex is more iconic and much cooler. Picasso wore a Patek, but everyone from Sir Edmund Hillary to James Bond and Steve McQueen wore a Rolex – men of action, with effortless style and lethal charm.
As such, the Holy Trinity of Watches is made up of three ultra-high-end Swiss watch brands: Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin.
Rolex. Rolex is often highlighted as the main competitor to Patek Philippe and the Rolex brand is more widely recognized.
A Patek Philippe watch owned by Aisin-Gioro Puyi—the last emperor of China's Qing dynasty—sold for $5.1 million hammer at an auction Tuesday, more than 85 years after it was first made by the German manufacturer.
As of the end of 2022, Patek Philippe's portfolio has some 150 distinct watches on offer. That's quite a lot, considering Patek only produces around 68,000 timepieces each year. The Geneva-based manufacturer regularly discontinues watches from their range – regardless of popularity – to make room for new innovations.
However, it is important to note that waiting lists for luxury watches, including Patek Philippe, can be very long, with collectors waiting up to 10 years for the most exclusive models. It is also possible that being a previous buyer of Patek Philippe watches may increase your chances of getting on the waiting list.
A Patek Philippe watch is designed to be handed down from generation to generation. For this reason - whether your timepiece needs to be repaired, restored or entirely overhauled - servicing a Patek Philippe timepiece regularly is essential to ensure its longevity. We recommend every 3-5 years or whenever necessary.
You can definitely walk into a AD and get a Patek, but it won't be one of the ones that is worth over retail, those are generally for clients that have a history of purchasing other watches and or Jewlery. Do you think Grand Seiko watches are as good as other higher-end brands such as Rolex or Patek Philippe?
However, these particular watches are widely considered to be among the rarest in production. The reason for that is the high demand for the Patek Philippe 5711 in particular, having surpassed supply in recent years that neither Patek Philippe nor any of its retailers will simply sell one.
Pope Pius IX, Patek Philippe Pocket Watches
This pocket watch resurfaced in Geneva in 2019 at a Christies Auction. This pope was known to have a passion for haute horology. Next to this Patek Philippe pocket watch, he also owned a Patek Philippe quarter repeater in yellow gold.
From Joe DiMaggio to Albert Einstein, Princess Diana to Victoria Beckham, watchmaker Patek Philippe has long been a celebrity favorite.
The jewel in the crown of a Patek Philippe watch is the fact that, from its case and dial to its beating heart, it has been finished by hand by a dedicated, trained specialist, with skills passed down through generations.
Patek Philippe's Rare Handcrafts are no easier to obtain than the company's rarest watches. Most are one-of-a-kind or produced in very limited editions. Each of the dome clocks is a unique piece. None will ever be seen at retail.
Yes. Patek Philippe watches are waterproof — some more than others. In 1979, Patek Philippe devised a watch that was fully waterproof down to 120 meters, which was astonishing for the times.