Patek Philippe is a Swiss luxury watch brand that was founded in 1839 by Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek. The company was originally called Patek, Czapek & Co., but in 1845, Czapek left the company, and it became Patek & Co.
In 1851, Patek & Co. began a partnership with a watchmaker named Jean Adrien Philippe, who had invented a keyless winding mechanism for watches. This invention would become a signature feature of Patek Philippe watches, and the partnership between Patek and Philippe would continue until Philippe’s death in 1894.
Throughout the 19th century, Patek Philippe became known for its high-quality, precision-made watches, and the company was awarded numerous medals at international exhibitions. In 1868, Patek Philippe created its first wristwatch, which was a ladies’ pendant watch.
In the 20th century, Patek Philippe continued to innovate and create new watches, including the first split-seconds chronograph in 1923 and the first perpetual calendar wristwatch in 1925. The company also introduced its famous Calatrava model in 1932, which is still in production today.
During World War II, Patek Philippe, like many Swiss watchmakers, supplied watches to the military. After the war, the company resumed production of its luxury watches and continued to innovate with new models and complications.
In 2009, Patek Philippe celebrated its 170th anniversary with the creation of its most complicated wristwatch to date, the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime. The watch featured 20 complications and was produced in a limited edition of seven pieces, each with a price tag of over $2.5 million.
Today, Patek Philippe remains one of the most prestigious and highly-regarded watch brands in the world, known for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. Its watches are highly sought-after by collectors and can command high prices at auction.
