Step into the World of Patek Philippe

Synonymous with exclusivity and exceptional craftsmanship, Patek Philippe produces some of the finest examples of Haute Horlogerie. Some of its watches are rare and have been produced in limited quantities, making them difficult to source, not to mention highly priced. If you’re in the market for a watch that stands for quality craftsmanship and a name that is recognised in all four corners of the globe, Patek Philippe is a luxury watchmaker worth exploring. From the best entry-level Patek Philippe watch to some of the most sought-after timepieces, this guide created for you by us at Watches World is sure to break the Patek Philippe watch-collecting world down into bite-size chunks for you to shop with a little more confidence when finding a Patek Philippe watch for sale with us. Let’s start with a brief history of the brand and its key lines followed by some FAQs.

A brief history of Patek Philippe

Polish watchmaker and emigrant Antoni Patek founded Patek Philippe in 1839 and began producing pocket watches before partnering up with Adrien Philippe who has been taught the craft of watchmaking by his father. Philippe was the inventor of the crown. Before this, movements were wound by a key. In 1902, the brand produced its first patented double chronograph followed by its first perpetual calendar wristwatch in 1925. In 1955, banker Henry Graves Jr. commissioned a watch named the Henry Graves Supercomplication. The 18ct yellow gold pocket watch comprised a total of 920 individual hand-assembled components and 24 complications, making history with its complexity. In 2014 it sold for a staggering $24 million. Then came the Calibre 89 released in 1989 with 33 complications. To this day, Patek Philippe upholds its reputation as one of the most renowned manufacturers of complex watches and pocket watches.

Now let’s have a look at Patek’s most well-known watch collections…

Nautilus

With a value that has skyrocketed over the last few years, the Nautilus is one of Patek Philippe’s most coveted wristwatches. Rare models sell for astronomical prices making them great investments. First revealed in 1976, the Nautilus, designed by Gerald Genta, took the world by storm during a time when steel sports watches were the order of the day. With so much attention paid to the iconic 5711 reference, it can sometimes be easy to forget that there are moon phases, chronographs, and GMT complications to enjoy within this range. The key characteristics of the popular Nautilus watch are a set of fully integrated lugs, a robust bracelet and a porthole-inspired design. In more ways than one, the Nautilus has become emblematic of a pivotal point within Patek Philippe’s history, amounting to a collectable that many enthusiasts can only dream of owning. Those valuing tradition will be drawn towards the original steel models, whilst the gold case versions evoke a more luxurious feel.

Aquanaut

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut watch is the company’s softer and more modern interpretation of the Nautilus. Its design is less angular, creating a sensation when it was launched back in 1997. Its rounded octagon-shaped case is available in steel, rose gold and white gold, whilst its “tropical” strap made from composite material promises saltwater and UV radiation-resistant qualities. Although inspired by the Nautilus, the Aquanaut is no remake. Those crafted from precious metal are the more expensive from the range, whilst the Aquanaut Travel Time watch will appeal to globetrotters. You can also pick up a pre-owned chronograph version with a flyback function in blue or green for a respective price of around $135,000 and $145,000.

Calatrava

The Calatrava watch is Patek Philippe’s flagship model and one that has been part of its catalogue since 1932. Defined as the world’s most coveted dress watch, it comes in many forms and is most notable for its elegant, understated and minimalist style. Calatrava watches also make for great daily-wearing timepieces and are perfect investment pieces, holding their value well. The design of the Calatrava watch was first inspired by the Bauhaus movement. Its clean and tidy design makes it suitable for pairing with professional clothing as well as more elegant attire by night. Powered by in-house movements, the range is home to watches for both male and female enthusiasts and is considered an affordable timepiece when purchased from the preowned market. For over 40 years, one particular model has been re-imagined several times – the 40mm ref 96. Its polished bezel, dauphine-style hands and baton indices are just a few of its recognisable features. The modern successor to this is the 37mmm ref 5196 with a desirably thin case measuring a mere 7.68mm, making it an apt choice for sliding underneath work attire.

Grand Complications

The Grand Complications watch range by Patek Philippe is a treasure trove of more complex models ranging from anything like the elegant moon phase indicator to a world time function and even a Sky MoonTourbillon or Grandmaster Chime – much more highly complicated instruments boasting a total of 12 and 20 complications respectively. If you’re into the art form of complications, you’ll most certainly find a Patek Philippe watch from this range that appeals to you. Masterpieces from this series usually demand a price tag of anywhere between $210,000 and $320,000.

Golden Ellipse

If there is one luxury watch brand associated with crafting timepieces in shapes other than the traditional circle, it’s Patek Philippe. The manufacturer demonstrates success in lines such as the Twenty-4, with models shaped into a rectangle, the Art Deco-Inspired cushion-shaped Gondolo and, of course, the Golden Ellipse line of timepieces. The Golden Ellipse watch collection was first crafted in 1968 and showcases an elliptical case shape that makes for a beautiful-looking dress watch. Preowned models are generally more affordable than brand-new watches when it comes to the Golden Ellipse watch. You can choose between stainless steel and rose gold options from this range, as well as a more expensive platinum version.

FAQS

Where are Patek Philippe watches made?

Patek Philippe is certainly long in the tooth. It was founded in 1839 and remains one of the last independent-running luxury watch manufacturers to reside in Geneva. If you’re wondering who owns Patek Philippe then the answer is the Stern family, who acquired the business in 1932. Equipped with its own research and development department, the company can maintain a vertically integrated production over its watches, designing the individual parts and components of each movement and engineering a watch from beginning to end within its manufacturing facilities.

Why do people love collecting Patek Philippe watches?

Owning a watch from Patek Philippe is a little like being part of an elite circle of clientele. Avid enthusiasts of the brand are devoted to collecting these special timepieces and will very rarely stray away from the company and its rich heritage in producing some of the most iconic watches ever. Sometimes, buying new Patek Philippe watches is more costly than collecting used, damaged or old Patek Philippe watches unless you’re searching the pre-owned market for a particularly iconic timepiece – and trust us – Patek Philippe has many of those. Some of the most desirable are its famous Nautilus watches - released during the craze of the steel sports watch, the classic Calatrava watch – one of the most classic Patek Philippe watches ever made, and the Aquanaut – a more modern and less angular design inspired by the Nautilus and released in the 1990s. By combining the very best in design, heritage and craftsmanship, luxury watches by Patek Philippe trump the value of other luxury watch brands by miles and are known for their advantages as an investment. For example, some Patek Philippe 175th anniversary watches are selling for extraordinary prices on the second-hand market already. Whether you own many Patek Philippe luxury watches or none, however, you can generally expect to pay more for any one of its watches compared to other alternatives on the market.

What is the best Patek Philippe to collect?

That’s a good question and there’s a very simple answer to it. The most popular Patek Philippe watch to own is undoubtedly the Nautilus 5711/1A. Sadly all iterations of the 5711 line are now discontinued, from the covetable steel and blue Nautilus to the olive green timepiece developed during a very short period. The white gold Nautilus 5711/1A is also one of the rarest timepieces to stumble across on the preowned market because of its expensive price tag. Those lucky enough to own one probably aren’t planning on selling it anytime soon, since it is one of the most expensive Patek Philippe watches out there.  It’s a relatively young model, produced as a celebratory piece in partnership with Tiffany & Co. in 2021 to mark Patek’s 170th anniversary. It showcases a captivating tiffany blue dial – a trend that is currently piquing as we speak.

Do Patek Philippe watches hold their value?

Another easily answered question. Yes, Patek Philippe watches are worth the investment because they hold their value very well. A mix of premium materials, unparalleled know-how and a meticulous level of attention to detail all enable the brand to create exquisite timepieces by using time-honoured processes and techniques that distil the very essence of superior Swiss watch manufacture. Not only this, but many Patek Philippe watches increase in value, particularly the most popular Patek Philippe watches - the Aquanaut, the Calatrava and the Nautilus.

Why Patek Philippe watches are so expensive?

You’re probably wanting to know the answer to a question that everyone asks when exploring the prices of Patek Philippe watches. Why are they so highly priced? Well, any Swiss watch by Patek Philippe will come at a price and this is down to several factors. Firstly, most of the brand’s watches are crafted by hand as opposed to machines. Sapphire crystal casebacks enable you to gaze at the fine mechanics of a movement, whilst the finishing and detail of one of these timepieces are second to none. Suffice to say, a Patek Philippe watch is worth every penny you part with because what you pay now is what you’ll get back later down the line both in terms of quality and resale value.

For the reasons above, Patek Philippe watches have a very exclusive clientele that includes the likes of Hussein Kamel, Christian IX and Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, not to mention celebrities such as Drake, Ed Sheeran and Brad Pitt. Whichever way you look at it, the truth is that all Patek Philippe models are highly-priced. What you need to decide is whether you’re prepared to pay an extortionate price and wait many years for a statement piece in high demand, or whether you just want to experience the beauty of owning any one of Patek’s beautiful watches.

One of the greatest advantages of collecting watches by this world-famous watchmaker is that no matter whether you sell Patek Philippe watches or hold onto them for many years, you’re unlikely to lose value in your investment. Whilst many models hold their value really well, others appreciate. This is a great opportunity for you if you own one of the more sought-after references like the Nautilus, for example, as you can keep your eye on the market before deciding on the best time to sell and the best time to buy Patek Philippe watches.

Where to buy Patek Philippe watches?

To secure the best price on a Patek Philippe, buy online with us here at Watches World. Whether you’re in search of rare Patek Philippe watches or looking for the best Patek Philippe to buy as a gift for a loved one, our extensive range is sure to provide you will plenty of inspiration. For more information on any of our Patek Philippe watches for men or Patek Philippe watches for women, call and speak to a member of our team today on [email protected] or call +442034091808.