For over 180 years, Patek Philippe has been creating some of the world’s most coveted timepieces. From intricate minute repeaters to grand complications, the quality and craftsmanship of Patek Philippe watches are unmatched. For watch collectors, owning a Patek Philippe timepiece is often a significant achievement.
Patek Philippe is known for pushing the boundaries of watchmaking and innovation. In 1839, the company created their first wristwatch over 80 years before it became popular. They hold over 100 patents for watch complications and mechanisms. Each Patek Philippe watch can take up to 9 months to assemble by hand. Their most complicated watches have over 33 complications and require over 1300 man-hours to assemble.
For many collectors, Patek Philippe represents a lifetime goal and a precious heirloom to pass down. The company’s famous advertising slogan states: “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.”
Reasons why collectors highly covet Patek Philippe timepieces.
Craftsmanship
Each component of a Patek Philippe watch is finished by hand according to exacting standards. From polishing the curves of bridges to chamfering the edges of gears, every detail is noticed. The result is a level of beauty and quality unmatched in the watch world.
Legacy and Heritage
As the last family-owned independent watch manufacturer in Geneva, the heritage and legacy of Patek Philippe is unrivalled. The company has a rich history of innovation in watchmaking dating back to 1839. Their watches have been worn by royalty, celebrities, and business moguls throughout history.
Rarity and Exclusivity
Patek Philippe produces only about 60,000 watches per year. Some of their most complicated timepieces can have a waitlist up to 8 years. The low volume adds to the exclusivity and increasing value of the brand. Owning a Patek Philippe places you in amongst a small field of collectors.
Investment Potential
Patek Philippe timepieces offer strong investment potential thanks to their quality, heritage, and exclusivity. Many of their vintage and complicated models sell at auction for multiples of their original prices. Demand continues to grow as more people discover a passion for watch collecting. Patek Philippe watches typically sell for between £6,027 – £492,587 on the secondary market, with an average asking price of £60,520.
Innovation
Patek Philippe continually innovates by developing new patents, movements, and materials. They create modern timepieces while upholding traditional watchmaking crafts. The company leads the way in advancing the wristwatch industry.
If you have been bitten by the watch-collecting bug, owning a Patek Philippe is the pinnacle. The lucky few who acquire these timepieces cherish them and pass them down for generations. Each Patek Philippe watch tells a story and becomes part of the collector’s legacy. Though their timepieces come at a premium, they represent the best of Swiss watchmaking tradition distilled into each unique piece. Patek Philippe remains atop the wish list of watch collectors worldwide for these reasons and more.
If you are thinking about buying or selling a Patek Philippe watch, please contact us in the strictest confidence.
