Patek Philippe is one of the world’s most exclusive watchmakers. For many, the brand is the epitome of style and sophistication, rising head and shoulders above the more mainstream offerings.
Explore Patek Philippe watches, including its fun facts, wherein each watch is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. The company has been passed down through generations of the Stern family, maintaining a strong commitment to preserving the brand’s heritage and traditions.
In this post, we take a look at some fun facts that prove the brand’s worth. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Patek Philippe Holds The Record For The Most Expensive Watch Sold Online
In 2013, Patek Philippe sold a watch online for a staggering €471,000, the highest ever sale price over the internet. According to reports, a Californian collector bought the timepiece to add to his collection.
The brand’s allure can be attributed to various factors. Renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, each watch undergoes meticulous handcrafting, emphasizing quality and precision. Patek Philippe boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1839, and its commitment to tradition and family ownership contributes to the brand’s timeless appeal.
Limited production numbers enhance exclusivity, a key driver for collectors seeking unique and rare pieces. The brand’s history of innovation, particularly in complications, showcases technical mastery and captivates enthusiasts. The prestigious Patek Philippe Seal signifies a commitment to excellence, reassuring collectors about the superior quality of their investment.
Beyond technical aspects, Patek Philippe watches symbolize status and success, making them highly coveted. Historical significance, often associated with notable events or personalities, adds to the allure. Strong resale value further solidifies Patek Philippe’s standing, with collectors viewing these watches as sound investments.
The global resonance of such sales highlights the brand’s global appeal and the willingness of collectors to invest substantially in acquiring these exceptional timepieces.
2. Patek Philippe Has Its Own Museum
The history of Patek Philippe is so storied that the brand now has its own museum. Founded in 2001 in the Plainpalais region of Geneva, it features over 2,000 watches from the last two hundred years. Visitors can get a full history of watchmaking and learn about many different brands from across the world.
3. Patek Philippe Finishes All Watches By Hand
Patek Philippe doesn’t rely on machines and assembly lines to finish its watches. Instead, it completes them by hand. Artisans use delicate tools to apply the final touches before sending timepieces off to market.
4. Patek Philippe Makes Watch Cases From Gold Or Platinum
While gold and platinum are both attractive and desirable metals, there is another reason Patek Philippe uses them so much: they don’t corrode. Hence, the brand’s watches last almost indefinitely.
5. Patek Philippe Makes All Its Watch Components In-House
Patek Philippe is an unusual watchmaker. Instead of going to external suppliers for parts (as most companies do), it makes all of its components in-house. This approach allows the brand to maintain strict control over everything that it does.
6. Patek Philippe’s President Checks All Repeaters
To say that Patek Philippe is obsessed with quality is an understatement. In fact, the company’s president, Thierry Stern, personally inspects every repeater that leaves the factory. Now that’s dedication!
7. Patek Philippe Believes In The Power Of Quartz
Quartz technology is incredibly accurate and the brand still uses it to this day.
8. Patek Philippe Sells Around 40,000 Watches Per Year
Patek Philippe is a bigger brand than you might expect. The company sells around 40,000 watches every year, establishing it as one of the world’s leading luxury watch firms.
9. Patek Philippe Takes Nine Months To Make The Most Basic Watch In Its Range
Not only is Patek Philippe obsessed with quality, but it also believes in paying attention to detail. Even the most basic watches take nine months to make – and the most complex versions take considerably longer than that.
10. Patek Philippe Was Founded In 1845
Lastly, Patek Philippe is an old watch brand, having been founded by Polish watchmaker Antoni Patek and Czech watchmaker Franciszek Czapek, in 1839. Adrien Philippe later joined the firm in 1845 and developed the keyless winding mechanism, a significant advance in watchmaking technology.
