Rolex
Patek Philippe
“You never really own a Patek Philippe, you merely take care of it for the next generation”

Such an obligating promise can only be given by a company whose unconditional commitment to create the perfect wrist watch is fuelled by passion, saviour-faire and the continuous strive for excellence.  

With over 175 years of watchmaking tradition, Patek Philippe produces rare and exceptionally hand finished timepieces epitomizing quality, reliability and exclusivity not only acknowledged by their watch loving customers, but also by the watchmaking community. 

By creating an environment in which the exceptional is considered to be the norm, the level of achieved craftsmanship became so high that Patek created its own quality label “The Patek Philippe Seal” in 2009. This proprietary quality seal goes beyond the standards of other seals used in the Swiss watch industry by attesting not only to the quality of the movement finish but also to the quality of the used materials, accuracy, dependability and the craftsmanship that was necessary to create and finish the whole watch.  

From traditional to modern, from grand complications to contemporary timepieces and iconic wristwatches, Patek Philippe is undoubtedly in the upper echelon of watchmaking so let’s take a small peek into its history:

1845

Patent for the keyless winding and setting mechanism

1851

Introducing the smallest watch of the world at London Great Exhibition.

1868

Creation of the first Swiss wristwatch, made for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary

1899

Patent perpetual calendar mechanism.

1902

Patent double chronograph (rattrapante).

1923

Launch of the first split second wrist chronograph.

1924

Launch of the first minute repeater wristwatch, made for Ralph Teetor.

1925

Launch of the first perpetual calendar wristwatch.

1932

Launch of the Calatrava.

1949-1953

Patent for the Gyromax® balance.

1953

Patent for self-winding mechanism calibre 12-600at.

1956

The company makes the first all-electronic clock.

1959

Patent for time zone watches (world timer).

1962

New and unbeaten precision record for mechanical watches.

1976

Launch of the first Nautilus sports watch: Ref. 3700/1 in steel.

1986

Patent for secular perpetual calendar with retrograde date indication.

2001

launch of the most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch with a double face: the Sky Moon Tourbillon, Ref. 5002.

2009

Introduction of the “Patek Philippe Seal”.