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
One of the rarest Patek Philippe complications does not tell the time. Instead, this complicated mechanism helps a musician play rhythms accurately by marking beats per minute. In other words, it’s a metronome. Today, many musicians will use an app on their iPhone to help keep a steady time when practicing music; although, traditionally, we … Continued
In our new series ‘Collectability Mailroom’, we will answer some of the questions that we get asked most often from around the world. We receive questions on many Patek Philippe topics ranging from the best watches to gift, to wear, to invest in, to sell, to buy. Then there are the obscure questions that only … Continued
To anyone with even a passing interest in Patek Philippe, one thing is abundantly clear: If value on the secondary market is the benchmark by which greatness is determined, a single model, the legendary ref. 5711/1A, aka the Nautilus, reigns supreme. To lovers of fine timepieces, however, the venerable Geneva-based brand is so much more … Continued
Names such as ‘Ricochet’, ‘Flying Saucer’, ‘Asymétrie’, ‘Futuriste’ and ‘Tutti Fruitti’ are not normally associated with iconic Patek Philippe watch designs, but in the world of timepieces designed and crafted by the genius hands of Gilbert Albert, they are sought after by both connoisseurs and museums alike. Born in Geneva in 1930, Gilbert Albert always … Continued
At the Patek Philippe Art of Watches Grand Exhibition in New York in July 2017, the star of the show was not one of the priceless museum pieces or a Grand Master Chime, it was a Native American staring from a small pocket watch. The weathered face of the stern yet dignified chieftain was not … Continued
In this exclusive Q & A, global superstar singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran tells John Reardon about his passion for Patek Philippe and why he collects. JR: Why Patek Philippe? ES: In 2012, I was gifted one for playing at a birthday party, met Kelly [Yoch], then went down the rabbit hole and here we … Continued
There are endless “facts” that people believe as true and are endlessly parroted, copied, and retold until people simply accept them as fact. For example, can you see the Great Wall of China from space? (Actually, no); Do you need to let your kids wait an hour after eating before swimming? (Actually, no); Do toilets … Continued
In short, no. But that answer makes for too short of an article. I’m constantly being asked, “How’s the Patek market?”. If only there was an app that accurately tracks how strong or weak the Patek Philippe vintage and modern market is relative to sales volume and prices day by day, like a stock ticker … Continued
