Patek Philippe is a name known far and wide in the world of fine timepieces, and most notably, watches like the Patek Philippe Nautilus are valued by both collectors and fashion enthusiasts. Even if you’ve heard of the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the iconic name behind the brand, you may not know the history of how it all got started.
From Immigrants to World-Class Watchmakers
Patek Philippe, officially known as Patek Philippe SA, began in the famed Swiss watchmaking hub of Geneva back in 1839. The company was started by two immigrants, Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek, both of whom came from Poland. Czapek and Patek initially started making pocket watches under the name Patek, Czapek & Cie.
By 1845, the pair had a few business partners. Most notable among these partners was Adrien Philippe, a French citizen who also had an interest in timepieces and movements. Throughout the 1850s and 1860s, the company saw royalty adopt their timepieces as Queen Victoria of London wore a pendant watch created by Patek, Czapek & Cie.
Changing Hands
As time passed, the founders of the company did too, but before dying, some of the founders handed down the brand to their children, Joseph Antoine Bénassy-Philippe and Joseph Emile Philippe. In the early 1900s, the company transitioned into a joint-stock company owned by seven shareholders.
Charles Stern and Jean Stern took ownership of the company in 1932, and it has remained in the Stern family ever since. Over the last several decades, other members of the Stern family have taken the reins of Patek Philippe with each one making changes along the way. What has not changed, however, is the brand’s ongoing commitment to its customers. In fact, a twice-yearly magazine was commissioned exclusively for Patek Philippe owners in 1996.
The Most Expensive Watches
As a testament to the quality and collectability of Patek Philippe watches, the majority of the most expensive watches ever auctioned off across the world have been Patek Philippe timepieces. Today, collectors continue to look for rare pieces, but these are in short supply as Patek Philippe itself often buys its own watches at auction for inclusion in the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.
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Jeson Clarke is providing info about pre-owned luxury watches, selling, buying, watch repair and services. You can find his thoughts at antique watches blog.