Patek Philippe Watches Story

For this post, I’ve decided to share the history of the legendary Swiss watch company, Patek Philippe. Their watches are considered among the most beautiful, conplex and sought-after timepieces in the world. And unlike some other high-end watch makers, Patek Philippe still manufactures every part of their wristwatches and pocket watches. Each timepiece boasts fine craftsmanship and is comprised of superlative materials.

A Calatrava watch by Patek Philippe

Every watch that has been made since the company was founded can be traced. Because of the detailed craftsmanship, each watch spends quite a while in production. It takes a little less than a year for a less complex model to be produced and around two years for more complex pieces. Each model is then tested for up to a month. Most models cost much more because of the company’s superior skill and attention to detail.

The company, which was first called Patek Philippe & Co, was founded in 1851 by a Polish watchmaker by the name of Antoni Patek and fellow watchmaker Adrien Philippe of France. Philippe is best known as the inventor of a winding mechanism that does not require a key. In 1932, two men by the names of Charles and Jean Stern bought the company and called it Patek Philippe, S.A. Since then, the company has persisted as a family-owned entity. In 2009, company control was transferred to the fourth generation when Philippe Stern turned the company over to his son, Thierry Stern. Currently, the company the oldest company that is family-owned.