Patek Philippe, a family-owned Swiss luxury watch company, has been at the forefront of horological innovation since its founding in 1839. The brand's commitment to craftsmanship, artistry, and technical excellence has made it a symbol of prestige and elegance. Patek Philippe watches are known for their unique complications, such as the annual calendar and moon phase, and the use of high-quality materials like gold, platinum, and leather.
Patek Philippe history has been associated with numerous notable figures, including royalty, celebrities, and business leaders. The company's headquarters and main production facilities are located in Geneva, Switzerland, where it also maintains the Patek Philippe Museum, showcasing its rich horological heritage. Currently led by the fourth generation of the Stern family, Patek Philippe continues to set the standard for luxury watchmaking, creating timepieces that are cherished for generations
Patek Philippe watches are renowned for their exceptional features, which include:
Every Patek Philippe watch movement is meticulously crafted in-house, ensuring the highest level of precision and reliability. The brand's dedication to horological excellence is evident in the intricate design and finishing of each movement, which often features complications such as chronographs, perpetual calendars, and minute repeaters.
Patek Philippe offers a variety of band options to suit different styles and preferences:
The annual calendar complication, a signature feature of many Patek Philippe watches, automatically adjusts for months with 30 or 31 days. This sophisticated mechanism only requires manual adjustment once a year, at the end of February, making it a convenient and practical complication for daily wear.
Patek Philippe watch dials are known for their elegance and legibility, often featuring intricate designs and finishes. From classic lacquered dials to more elaborate guilloché, enamel, or skeleton dials, Patek Philippe's attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident in every piece.
The moon phase complication, found on select Patek Philippe models, displays the current phase of the moon. This poetic complication adds a touch of celestial beauty to the watch, with the moon phase disc often featuring intricate detailing and realistic depictions of the lunar surface.
The price range for pre-owned Patek Philippe watches varies depending on the model, age, condition, and rarity. Pre-owned Patek Philippe watches, such as the Calatrava, can start at around $10,000, while more complicated models like the Nautilus or Grand Complications can command prices well over $100,000. At Bob's Watches, we offer a wide selection of pre-owned Patek Philippe timepieces to suit different budgets and preferences.
disc. = discontinued
Brand | Model Number | Patek Philippe Retail Price | Pre-Owned Prices (Approx.) |
---|---|---|---|
Patek Philippe Aquanaut | 5968A-001 | disc. | $42,995 |
Patek Philippe Calatrava | 5227G-001 | N/A | $29,995 |
Patek Philippe Nautilus | 7118/1A | N/A | $69,995 |
A sporty and modern collection featuring a distinctive rounded octagonal case and a "tropical" rubber strap. The Patek Philippe Aquanaut, introduced in 1997, is designed for those who seek a more casual and versatile luxury watch that can be worn both in and out of the water.
Patek Philippe's flagship dress watch collection, known for its timeless elegance and simplicity. The Patek Philippe Calatrava, first introduced in 1932, embodies the brand's commitment to traditional watchmaking and refined aesthetics. The collection features a wide range of models, from time-only pieces to more complex variations with additional functions such as date, power reserve, and small seconds.
A diverse range of watches featuring various complications, such as chronographs, annual calendars, and dual time zones. The Patek Philippe Complications collection showcases Patek Philippe's horological expertise and innovation, offering a wide array of functional and visually appealing timepieces.
The most complex and sought-after Patek Philippe watches, showcasing the brand's horological expertise with multiple complications in a single timepiece. The Grand Complications collection represents the pinnacle of Patek Philippe's watchmaking prowess, with models featuring combinations of minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, celestial charts, and split-seconds chronographs.
Introduced in 1968, this collection features a unique elliptical case design inspired by the golden ratio. The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse is a testament to Patek Philippe's ability to create timelessly beautiful watches that stand out from traditional round or rectangular cases. The collection's distinctive shape and minimalist dial design have made it an iconic and sought-after model among collectors and enthusiasts.
A collection of Art Deco-inspired rectangular and tonneau-shaped watches, paying homage to Patek Philippe's historical partnership with the Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau. The Patek Philippe Gondolo collection showcases the brand's ability to create elegant and refined timepieces in non-traditional case shapes. These watches often feature intricate engravings, guilloche patterns, and other decorative elements that harken back to the Art Deco era.
Patek Philippe's iconic luxury sports watch, featuring a distinctive porthole-inspired case and an integrated bracelet. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta and introduced in 1976, the Patek Philippe Nautilus has become one of the most recognizable and sought-after watches in the world.
The Patek Philippe Twenty~4 collection, launched in 1999, offers a range of elegant and versatile timepieces that can be worn from day to night. The collection features both quartz and automatic movements, as well as a variety of case materials, including stainless steel, rose gold, and diamond-set options. The Twenty~4 Automatic, introduced in 2018, features a slightly larger case size and a self-winding mechanical movement.
When considering a Patek Philippe watch, enthusiasts often compare the brand to other high-end luxury watch manufacturers:
Patek Philippe vs Rolex are giants in the world of luxury watches, each with a distinct brand philosophy and esteemed reputation. Patek Philippe is known for its exquisite complications and bespoke craftsmanship, often considered the pinnacle of watchmaking artistry. Rolex stands out for its unrivaled brand recognition and robust, precise engineering, making it synonymous with durability and reliability. While Patek Philippe is often the choice for collectors seeking intricate, investment-worthy timepieces, Rolex appeals to a broader audience looking for a watch that combines prestige with practicality.
Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet are esteemed leaders in the luxury watch market, each with its own distinctive heritage and design ethos. Patek Philippe is famed for its precision, complexity, and conservative elegance, often seen as the epitome of the traditional dress watch. Audemars Piguet, originating from the Vallée de Joux, is renowned for its daring and innovative designs, most notably the Royal Oak, which pioneered the luxury sports watch category. While Patek Philippe caters to those who value timeless sophistication and technical mastery, Audemars Piguet appeals to enthusiasts of bold, contemporary aesthetics combined with cutting-edge mechanics.
Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin are two of the most prestigious names in the Swiss luxury watch industry, both revered for their commitment to craftsmanship and elegance. Patek Philippe is renowned for its technical prowess and complex watch mechanisms, often considered the pinnacle of horological innovation. Vacheron Constantin, one of the oldest continuously operating watch manufacturers, is celebrated for its artistic flair and meticulous attention to detail in design. While both brands epitomize high-end watchmaking, Patek Philippe often focuses on groundbreaking complications, whereas Vacheron Constantin emphasizes a fusion of artistic craftsmanship and traditional watchmaking.
Patek Philippe and Richard Mille represent two distinct philosophies in the realm of high-end watchmaking. Patek Philippe is synonymous with classical elegance and refined complications, embodying a legacy of over 180 years in watch craftsmanship. In contrast, Richard Mille stands as a beacon of modernity and innovation, known for its futuristic materials and bold, architectural designs that push the boundaries of what a luxury watch can be. While Patek Philippe appeals to those who appreciate understated luxury and historical significance, Richard Mille attracts a clientele that values cutting-edge technology and standout aesthetics.
Patek Philippe and A. Lange & Söhne stand as popular choices in the world of luxury watchmaking, each boasting a rich history and a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship. Patek Philippe, hailing from Geneva, is celebrated for its intricate complications and timeless designs, appealing to collectors who value tradition and innovation. On the other hand, A. Lange & Söhne, from Germany, is renowned for its precise engineering and elegant aesthetic, often characterized by its distinctive use of a double assembly process. While both brands offer exceptional quality and prestige, Patek Philippe tends to emphasize complex functions, whereas A. Lange & Söhne focuses on mechanical perfection and aesthetic purity.
If you are looking to sell your Patek Philippe, we invite you to talk to our team of experienced experts. They will be able to provide you with the most competitive prices in the market, ensuring that you receive the highest possible value for your prestigious timepiece. Parting with your luxury watch becomes as effortless and rewarding as the moments it has tracked for you.
The most affordable Patek Philippe watch is typically the Calatrava, with pre-owned prices starting at around $20,000 - $30,000.
The Grandmaster Chime (Ref. 6300G), featuring 20 complications and over 1,500 parts, is considered the most complicated Patek Philippe watch.
The Grandmaster Chime (Ref. 6300A-010) currently holds the record for the most expensive Patek Philippe watch, selling at auction for $31.19 million in 2019.
The reason why Patek Philippe watches are expensive is due to their exceptional craftsmanship, use of high-quality materials, and the brand's rich history and prestige.
Yes, Patek Philippe watches are known for retaining their value over time, with some rare models even appreciating in value.
You can purchase a pre-owned Patek Philippe watch from reputable dealers like Bob's Watches or join a waitlist for the chance to buy a new timepiece from an authorized retailer.
Patek Philippe is pronounced "pah-tek fee-leep" (pah-tek as in "pa" and "tech", fee-leep as in "fee" and "leap").
To avoid counterfeit Patek Philippe watches, only buy from authorized retailers or reputable pre-owned dealers. Look for inconsistencies in quality, engraving, and documentation.
Patek Philippe produces around 60,000 watches per year, maintaining its exclusivity and high standards of craftsmanship.
The Nautilus, particularly the Ref. 5711/1A, is currently considered the most popular Patek Philippe model.