“In 2005, we decided to create a new concept of advanced research. The idea behind this concept was to show the world all the watchmaking knowledge and mastery of Patek Philippe.” Thierry Stern, President. There is nothing simple about Patek Philippe’s Advanced Research as every new revolutionary innovation that the company creates will change the … Continued
One of the most common questions Collectability receives from new Patek Philippe watch enthusiasts is, “Which Patek should I buy first?” The easy answer is a time-only Calatrava. The next question is, “Which one?” Since the arrival of the Calatrava ref. 96 in 1932, there have been many different Calatrava references, each with a myriad … Continued
Launched at the Basel Watch Fair in 1999, the ref. 5099RG immediately stood out as something of a departure for Patek Philippe. The Cabriolet case design, made of 18K white and rose gold was a master class in elegance and sophistication. This was a case that most people had never seen before; however, eagle-eyed visitors … Continued
When Patek Philippe launched the Golden Ellipse ref. 5738/1R-001 at this year’s Watches & Wonders, the company took as much pride in presenting the craftsmanship involved with the making of the new bracelet as the watch itself. It even patented the bracelet’s construction which to quote the website, “made it possible to recreate the style … Continued
As the year 2000 approached, so did speculation among the watchmaking community as to how Patek Philippe would celebrate such a momentous period in history. How could it surpass the brilliance of the Calibre 89 in just 11 relatively short years in watchmaking development terms? The company did not disappoint and unveiled one of its … Continued
As temperatures soar across the US, people are asking us what kind of watch is best to wear on a hot day? The answer is quite simple: a bracelet watch! As those of us who regularly wear leather strap watches know, sweat does not help the longevity of a strap or provide a comfortable option … Continued
1977 was a turbulent time for the mechanical watch world. Inexpensive quartz watches from Asia combined with world currency fluctuations created a perfect storm for the Swiss mechanical watch industry, a storm in which many watchmakers did not survive. However, Patek Philippe, led by Henri Stern and his son, soon-to-be-president-Philippe Stern, did not waver in … Continued
What is the difference between the Patek Philippe Ellipse and the Golden Circle? The easy answer, and probably the most common, is just to call any elliptical-shaped Patek Philippe watch an Ellipse – or to use its correct name – a Golden Ellipse. But there are differences between an Ellipse and a Golden Circle and … Continued
In 1999, Philippe Stern and his son Thierry were discussing how to celebrate and distinguish watches made from platinum without writing the name of the metal on the dial. As always at Patek Philippe, discretion was imperative – the company prefers to be understated – and Philippe Stern suggested, “Why don’t we just put a … Continued
In the world of watchmaking, there is arguably nothing more challenging to make, nor more beautiful to behold than a minute repeating timepiece. Minute repeaters have been part of Patek Philippe’s DNA since the beginning of the company, and it is no coincidence that collectors and connoisseurs of complicated timepieces intrinsically link the brand to … Continued
Many of you that may see the title of this article and then take a gander at who is writing the article, and know that they are in for a treat. I spent a little over twelve years developing a passionate clientele for Patek Philippe timepieces that had those three little words “Tiffany & Co” … Continued
Did you ever wonder if your watch was made for the USA market? Did you inherit a piece from your grandfather and want to know in which country he bought it? Do you have a watch with a USA market retailer signature and want to double-check if it was actually imported into the USA? Do … Continued
