Polish Origins

The now world renowned makers of exceptional timepieces, Patek Philippe was initially founded in 1839. The firms founder, Antoni Patek (1812-1877) was born in Poland and moved first to France and then to Switzerland were he began trading pocket watches after time in the Army.

In 1839 he launched a business with fellow Polish expat, the master watchmaker, Franciszek Czapek. Together they ran ‘Patek, Czapek & Co. making 200 watches a year. Their designs drew on Polish history and culture.

Queen Victoria

Czapek left the business, leaving it Patek & Co. Patek replaced Czapek as master watchmaker with Jean Adrien Philippe (1815-1894). Philippe had already established his reputation as an exceptional watchmaker, inventing the keyless winding machine, before he joined Patek. In 1851, the pair renamed the company, Patek Philippe & Co.. The name change marked the start of a major expansion and increased production. Both Patek and Philippe worked tirelessly and travelled widely to promote their watches. At the Great Exhibition in London they present an open faced watch to Queen Victoria. The monarch together with her consort, Prince Albert, were beguiled by the ingenious craftsmanship and innovative mechanisms produced by the Swiss firm, becoming loyal patrons.

In 1853 Patek Philippe & Co. moved into 41 Rue du Rhone in Geneva. Initially the firm owned two floors but as business grew so did the number of floors they owned. By 1891 Patek Philippe owned the entire building. This building continues to be the firms head quarters.

Henry Graves Super Complicated

In 1877 Antoni Patek died, his son-in-law replaced his position in the firm. Philippe retired in 1891 passing the business to his son Joseph-Emile. The firm entered a new century with new leaders but only rose to new heights. By the 1920-30s the firm had acquired a new client, the American banker, Henry Graves Junior. With Graves patronage, Patek Philippe produced a record breaking watch with 24 functions. The now famous ‘Henry Graves Super Complicated’ sold in 1999 at auction with Sotheby’s for $11million. Like so many Patek Philippe watches, the high standards of design and execution of the movements means that their value does not diminish with the passing of time.

The firm is still run by the 4th generation of the Stern family, who became major shareholders in 1932. Holding 80 patents for their innovations. Patek Philippe remains one of the world’s leading watchmakers.

Forefront of Modern Horology

Seemingly limitless in their innovative capacity, Patek Philippe have been at the forefront of modern horology since the 19th century.

In 1868 they launched the first wristwatch. Two years later, in 1870 they launched the first chronograph (stopwatch). Philippe’s legacy continues in the firm’s exceptional craftsmanship. Over the years Patek Philippe & Co. have produced some of the world’s finest watches and timepieces. They have pioneered the evolution of the perpetual calendar, split-second hands and minute repeaters.

Calibre 89

To celebrate their 100th anniversary in 1989 they launched the Calibre 89. Setting a world record that lasted 25 years, this piece had an impressive 33 complications the most of any watch at the time.

In 2001 the Patek Philippe Museum was opened in Geneva. On display is a mix of important historical timepieces collected by the firm from the 16th century together with examples of the firms creations from their earliest pocket watches to their latest wristwatches.