Buying a gift for the Patek-obsessed loved one in your life might feel like a daunting task. However, you need look no further than the 1970s and 1980s for inspiration – there is a world of Patek Philippe cufflinks, tie-clips, money clips, and rings to explore. Be prepared to fall in love with things you never knew existed!
Perusing vintage catalogs and advertisements, you will find objects that any hard-core Patek Philippe collector would covet. The breadth of production and creativity was seemingly endless. However, the supply was not, and relatively few of these objects can be found today.
Cufflinks
If you wear French cuffs – well, even if you don’t – the ultimate luxury accessory is a nice pair of Patek Philippe cufflinks. You don’t even need to have a matching watch to pull off the look. The iconic Ellipse speaks for itself and these miniature hunks of gold are works of art on their own. Made of solid 18k gold, the Ellipse cufflinks were made in two sizes, mid-size and jumbo. As soon as the Ellipse took hold as the leading product line in the 1970s, the cufflinks began to be offered in Patek boutiques and retail shops globally. During the 1980s, a small number of Nautilus cufflinks were made and by 2000, a full project line of cufflinks was available including multiple references of jeweled cufflinks and a Calatrava collection.
Rings
Beginning in the 1920s, Patek Philippe began to offer men’s rings. Among the first was a platinum ring with a watch built into it under a faceted sapphire crystal. Even James Ward Packard had a special ring watch made for him. By the 1930s and 40s, Patek started making a set of cufflinks and a ring to accompany a watch. In the 1950s and 60s, Patek rings were most often available through the Geneva salon but by the 1970s the Patek ring had become more common as an accessory of choice with the world’s most affluent watch aficionados. The Ellipse ring became an icon – and a not-so-subtle indication of success and wealth. The solid gold rings were made in two sizes, mid-size and jumbo; both were very heavy and crafted to last generations.
Keychains
By the late 1970s, most Patek Philippe advertisements featured the accompanying keychain for the Ellipse. Similarly styled with the blue gold center, the elegant keychains were made in 18k yellow gold and white gold.
Money clips
In the 1980s, the Patek Philippe money clip was offered as an optional accessory as part of the Ellipse product line. Finally, wads of US dollars or Swiss francs could be elegantly piled up, folded, and clipped together with these useful objects.
Visit the Collectability Shop to see the Jumbo Golden Ellipse set, Ellipse keychain, Jumbo Nautilus cufflinks, gold and diamond cufflinks, and Ellipse ring.
