56 Pre-owned Patek Philippe watches for sale

Any discussion regarding haute horlogerie and luxury Swiss watches would be incomplete without mentioning Patek Philippe. This Genevan manufacturer combines luxury, precision, and unparalleled craftsmanship, producing some of the world’s most exquisite watches.

Patek Philippe has achieved a lot of “firsts” in the watchmaking industry. On top of that, they are also known for more than 80 patents around the world. With its expertise and experience of over a hundred years, this watch brand is still a trailblazer in horology in the 21st century.

“You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely take care of it for the next generation.”

This tagline is a testament to Patek Philippe’s exceptional value and resilience. Sought after by watch enthusiasts and collectors, this watch brand is known for its consistently increasing market value. That said, Patek Philippe watches are both a status symbol and an investment.

Patek Philippe has been pursuing the high art of Genevan watchmaking since 1939 without interruption. Founded by Antoine Norbert de Patek and Franciszek Czapek, the company was initially named as “Patek and Czapek”.  Due to the differences between the two, the co-operation did not continue.

In 1844, Patek learned of another watchmaker named Jean Adrien Philippe. Philippe was a pocket watch inventor who received a bronze model for his keyless winding and hand-setting system. The next year, Patek invited Philippe to join him and the company Patek & Cie was founded.

In 1851, the company was renamed Patek, Philippe & Cie. In the same year, the two participated in the Great Exhibition in London. There, Queen Victoria purchased two watches – one for herself and one for Prince Albert.

In 1868, Patek Philippe created the first Swiss wristwatch, made for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. In 1902, Patek Philippe patented the first-ever double chronograph. 23 years later, they introduced the first wristwatch with a perpetual calendar.

Patek Philippe remains to strive for excellence by continuing to innovate their watchmaking technology. In 1933, after three years of development and five years of manufacturing, the Henry Graves Supercomplication was completed.

Since 1932, the company has been in the hands of the Stern Family. In 2009, the company was again renamed Patek Philippe. Thierry Stern, President of Patek Philippe, has been leading the company since 2010 with over 2,000 employees worldwide.