When you purchase a Patek Philippe you are purchasing a watch of history, prestige, resilience and style. To take a look at our collection of Patek Philippe watches in person or if you are interested in selling or part-exchanging your pre-owned Patek Philippe watch contact us by telephone or email or feel free to visit us at our South Moulton Street, London location.
In 1839 one half of Patek Philippe, Polish-born Antoine Norbert de Patek, founded the watch manufacturing company Patek, Czapek & Cie along with fellow Polish man François Czapek. However, their business venture was short-lived, ending with the liquidation of the company in 1945.
Fortunately, Patek’s watch journey was not over yet. On a trip to Paris in 1944 Patek came across Jean Adrien Philippe when the both of them were attending Exposition Nationale des Produits de l’Industrie. It was here that French Philippe was awarded the bronze medal for inventing the keyless winding mechanism and the hand-setting system for the pocketwatch. Subsequently, Philippe moved to Geneva in 1945 after an invitation from Patek to pursue their common passion for watchmaking together. This lead to the formation of Patek & Cie later the same year.
However, it wasn’t until 1951 that the company formally recognized Philippe by changing the name to Patek, Philippe & Cie. Though this was again updated in 2009 with the removal of the comma, which simplified the company name to Patek Philippe - the most recognized name of the brand throughout its evolution.
In 1845 Philippe applied his invention, the pioneering keyless stem-winding and hand-setting mechanism, to Patek Philippe’s first pocket watch. From this point forward, with Philippe’s impressive innovation now synonymous with the brand as well as their unique and stylish designs, their reputation soared, elevating the company onto a prestigious platform and helping them build an exclusive clientele list of royalty. To name a few there was the Grand Duchess Catherine of Russia in 1850, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert of the United Kingdom in 1851 and Maria Pia Queen of Portugal in 1888. Many royals even commissioned their own watches with Patek Philippe such as Nicolas II, Emperor of Russia and Louise Queen of Denmark to commemorate her 25thwedding anniversary in 1867. This reinforced that Patek Philippe was one of the finest watches one could hope to be attain – even fit for royalty and royal occasions.
However, it is not just the likes of royalty who have recognized the brand’s value. Indeed, it remains one of the world’s most sought after high-end watch brands and has proven so at internationally esteemed auctions, fetching millions for their aesthetically unique designs.
