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.
Vintage Patek Philippe Wristwatch 18KT White Gold, Circa 1980's
By Patek Philippe
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch crafted in solid 18KT white gold, dating to the 1980s and presented with its original integrated bracelet. The watch features a refined square cus...
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Patek Philippe Ellipse Model 4188/3 18k White Gold Manual Wind Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Maker: Patek Philippe Model: Ellipse 4188/3 Year: c. 1970s Material: 18k White Gold Dial: Hammered 18k White Gold Case Measurement: 21mm Movement: Manual Wind Weight: 51 Grams Size:...
18k Gold, White Gold
Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 3583 / 1 White Gold Gents Wrist Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Reference 3583 / 1 Wrist Watch, 34 x 26 M.M. 18k White Gold 3 piece case, 18 jewel mechanical, manual wind nickle lever movement , original W...
18k Gold, White Gold
Patek Philippe 18Kt Solid White Gold Ladies Dress Watch circa 1970's
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Reference 4179-1 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 20mm X Width ...
18k Gold
Patek Philippe 18k White Gold Ladies Dress Watch 3285
By Patek Philippe
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Model #3285 18k White Gold Square Case 16 mm Wide (17 mm w/ Crown) 16 mm Long Lug-to-Lug Distance = 16 mm Lug-to-Lug Width = 12 mm Beige Dial w/ Silver Tic Marks and Hands (M + H) ...
18k Gold, White Gold
Patek Philippe 18K White Gold Calatrava 33mm
By Patek Philippe
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: manual wind Function: hours, minutes Case: 33mm round 18K white gold case, smooth bezel Dial: Silver Guilloche Index Dial Band: burgundy leather strap, tang buckle Serial #...
18k Gold, White Gold
Patek Philippe 18 Karat White Gold Tonneau Shape Wristwatch with Carved Bezel
By Patek Philippe
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Patek Philippe, Geneve STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Style / Ref. 3528 METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Solid White Gold CIRCA: 1970 DIMENSIONS: Length 38mm X Width 26mm MOVEMENT ...
White Gold
Patek Philippe Classique White Gold and Diamond Watch
By Patek Philippe
Located in New York, NY
Patek Philippe Classique White Gold and Diamond Watch Details: Face hallmark: Patek Philippe Stamped on strap clasp: 750, Patek Philippe,...
Diamond, White Gold
1950's Patek Philippe Vintage Ladies Ref. 3036 Watch with Sculpted Lugs
By Patek Philippe
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
White Gold
Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo Platinum Men's Watch 5098 P (or 5098P)
By Patek Philippe
Located in Dallas, TX
Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo Platinum Men's Watch 5098 P (or 5098P) - Manual winding. Gondolo. Platinum tonneau shaped case with exposition back (32mm x 50mm). Silver guilloche...
Bulgari Monete Ancient Roman Coin Braided Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A classic Bulgari Monete piece featuring an ancient bronze Roman coin inscribed ‘Rome Constantinus I Aug. A.D. 307-337’ suspended from a two-color 18 karat gold braided necklace. Int...
18k 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.
