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: Aquanaut, Calatrava, Ellipse, Gondolo, Neptune, Nautilus and World Time.
Patek Philippe Watches: The Ultimate Swiss Timepiece
Swiss watches have come to be the hallmark of quality worldwide, and Patek Philippe is largely responsible for this stellar reputation. Patek Philippe watches have represented innovation and technical superiority ever since the first Patek Philippe watch was created in 1868.
Recipient of the distinctive Geneva Seal, the Patek Philippe watch is one of the most recognized brands on the market and the ultimate symbol of quality watches in the world today. No other watch is subject to as much scrutiny and quality control than the Patek Philippe watch, and every movement is put through 600 hours of quality control, testing, and observation before being made available for purchase. The exclusivity of Patek Philippe is heightened by the company's extreme attention to detail and limited production runs. Producing only 30,000 Patek Philippe watches a year, the individual models are produced in only very small and limited editions. This rarity allows the designers to explore a wide variety of artistic innovations and contributes to the lasting value of a Patek Philippe watch.
The creative freedom afforded to Patek Philippe designers has created some of the most beautiful watches in the market, well-suited to every occasion and every wearer. The beauty and quality of the Patek Philippe watch may even be highlighted by the distinctive men's and women's jewelry created by Patek Philippe.
Patek Philippe's Distinctive Styles
The limited production runs of Patek Philippe watches make it possible to produce a wide variety of styles and variations that reflect the precise personality of the wearer. The incredible innovation exhibited in a Patek Philippe watch has always been the hallmark of this company, which has produced some of the most unique timepieces ever made. The "Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref 5002" for example, the most complex wristwatch produced by Patek Philippe, has two working sides, with the reverse showing sidereal time, a skychart, and the phase and orbit of the moon. The instantly recognizable "Golden Ellipse" is well-balanced and understated in its elegance and beauty; and the art deco designs of the Gondolo show personality and exuberance; the Gondolo is also available in ladies' styles. Ladies' designs also include fascinating innovations like the diamond-enhanced Twenty-4, the sleek lines of the Calatrava, and the colorful presentation of the Aquanaut.
Patek Philippe Pocket watches
In addition to Patek Philippe's fine line of exquisitely crafted wristwatches, the company also produces a small series of highly distinctive pocket watches. These timepieces, like all Patek Philippe timepieces, reflect the highest standards of quality, and serve as a perfect illustration of the rare combination of artistic ability and technical superiority that make up a Patek Philippe. Rendered in gold with an understated style, the Patek Philippe pocket watch is always a conversation starter. As a gift for the man who has everything, one of these unique timepieces will be treasured forever.
Used Patek Philippe Watches
A Patek Philippe watch is designed to last for many generations. It is a valuable timepiece that can be passed on as an heirloom that always retains its value. Because of the exclusivity, high quality and distinctive designs of Patek Philippe, a Patek Philippe watch is often kept in the family. Nonetheless, a secondary market does exist, and it is possible to acquire a used Patek Philippe watch either online or from a reputable dealer.
Used Patek Philippe watches allow the purchaser to take a look at the rich history of Patek Philippe and have an opportunity to acquire unusual and distinctive designs that are no longer being produced. A used Patek Philippe watch, because it is such a treasured possession, is always in excellent condition.
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