Patek Philippe

The Polish watchmaker Antoni Patek began producing pocket watches in Geneva in 1839. He combined forces with his French colleague Adrien Philippe a couple of years later. Philippe’s father was a watchmaker and taught his son all the skills needed. In 1844, Philippe unveiled an invention to the world of watches which was unheard of: the crown. Before this time, timepieces were usually wound using a key, just like the larger clocks today. The company is in business ever since 1851 and is still privately owned today, by the family.

There is more to the history of the Patek Philippe brand, because during the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, the Queen (Victoria) purchased two watches, one for herself and one for Prince Albert. 

Danish and Italian royalty also joined the list of customers a couple of years later. In addition, the partnership with USA based jeweler Tiffany & Co. began during a trip to the US when the American retailer ordered 130 watches. 

The history of Patek Philippe is probably one that will be remembered forever, since Patek Philippe patented the first ever double chronograph in 1902. In 1925 they were the first to introduce a wristwatch with a perpetual calendar. Seven years later the Stern family took over the business and is still being owned by that family today.

For over 80 years, the Patek Philippe has been a part of the watch collection. The name comes from the Order of Calatrava, whose cross serves as the company logo. Due to the simple design and elegance, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is one of the most luxurious dress watches around. 

When you’re in the market for a Patek Philippe Calatrava, you can opt for the manual caliber in white, rose or yellow gold for around €22.000 on Wristler. The platinum version is a bit more expensive at €35.000. You can also opt for the automatic movements in the Patek Philippe Calatrava, but these watches are not as thin as the manual movement. When it comes to pricing, these watches sell for around €33.000 for the solid gold pieces. 

One of the most popular watches in the Patek Philippe collection is the Nautilus. It was designed by Gérald Genta and debuted in 1976, made of stainless-steel. The first edition was the reference 3700/1 and thanks to the porthole design, these models are highly coveted amongst collectors. If you want to get your hands on a vintage piece, make sure to bring at least €100.000 to the table. 

When it comes to complications on the Patek Philippe Nautilus, there are numerous options. 

You can get your hands on a simple three-hand piece, but also watches featuring an annual calendar, moon phase indicator, chronographs and second time zones. Depending on your wishes and budget, expect to pay at least €70.000 all the way up to €130.000 for these complications. The most expensive Patek Philippe Nautilus is the reference 5719/10G-010 with 1.700 diamonds. This watch is made of 18-karat white gold and sells for €467.000 new. 

The Genevan company released the Patek Philippe Aquanaut back in 1997 with the strong resemblance of the Patek Philippe Nautilus. The design is more modern and less angular compared to the Nautilus and features a tropical strap which is resistant to water, abrasion and UV radiation. You can opt for different materials on the Aquanaut, being stainless-steel, white gold or rose gold. 

When you’re in the market for a Patek Philippe Aquanaut on the famous ‘tropical’ strap, you need to bring €52.000 to the table for the simple three-hand piece made of stainless-steel. 

The 18-karat gold versions are a bit more expensive at €70.000 or more. Patek Philippe also produces watches for women, measuring 35.6 and 38.8mm. These watches can even be found with diamonds on the pieces. The most affordable piece is the quartz powered Aquanaut for around €12.000, while the diamond bezel automatic watch is priced at €40.000. The pieces made of solid gold will cost you at least €110.000 up to €200.000.