Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo Watches

Patek Philippe, renowned watch manufacturer, was founded in Geneva in 1839 by Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek. In 1844, the company produced its first watch featuring keyless winding and hands setting. Until 1845, each watch produced by the company was signed “Patek, Czapek & Co.” After that, Czapek left the partnership and the signature followed suit. A French watchmaker, Jean Adrien Philippe, joined the company in 1851 and went on to invent the signature stem-winding and hand setting mechanism.  In the early years, Queen Victoria of England was a satisfied client. From the middle of the 19th century, Patek Philippe was a leader in the Swiss watch making industry and raised the standards for watch workmanship and time keeping through the introduction of innovative technical improvements including the free mainspring and the sweep seconds hand. Additionally, the company improved and raised the standard for regulators, chronographs and the perpetual calendar mechanism. 

The Patek Philippe Legacy

In 1932, Patek Philippe was sold to Charles and Jean Stern and today, the third generation of the Stern family still owns and manages the company. In the 1950s, Patek Philippe pioneered quartz technology, filed several patents, and won numerous honors and awards.  Patek Philippe is also credited for creating the two most complicated watches of all time. The first was made for Henry Graves Jr. and was completed at the beginning of the century. The second, the Caliber 89, was completed in 1989 to commemorate the company's 150th anniversary.  The Caliber 89 featured 33 complications, including a thermometer, time of sunrise, and equation of time.  In addition, there were 1,728 unique parts to allow sidereal time.  

Patek Philippe is famous for its leading manufacture of mechanical horology, but the firm is also known throughout the industry as producers of industrial and electronic timekeepers. Its highly accurate master-clocks are installed in power stations, hospitals, airports and other public buildings. Most of the firm's current production is wristwatches, but Patek Philippe continues to produce high quality pocket watches and specialty clocks with highly complicated movements or featuring enameled miniature paintings and engravings.  The company has produced approximately 600,000 watches total, which is surprisingly few for a company as well known as Patek Philippe.  However, this exclusivity has contributed to making the brand one of the most expensive and luxurious on the market today.  Patek Philippe watches have been worn by many famous clients, including notable figures throughout history.  This clientele includes royalty, distinguished scientists, artists, authors and musicians.  Patek Philippe watches have been worn by Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Charlotte Bronte and Tchaikovsky. 

The Patek Philippe Collection

Patek Philippe watches continue to be the epitome of style.  There are many different models that are designed especially for men or for women.  Popular men’s models include the Calatrava, the Golden Ellipse, the Gondolo, the Aquanaut, and the Nautilus.  Women’s models include the Twenty-4, the Gondolo, and the Calatrava.

Patek Philippe at Wingate’s

Wingate’s is proud to offer a selection of prestigious Patek Philippe watches for men and women including: 10 Day, Calatrava, Ellipse, Gondolo, Neptune, Repeater and World Time. 

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