Patek Philippe, Pocket Watch to Wristwatch: A History of the Patek Philippe Watch Company


WatchTime Spotlight On Patek Philippe: The Birth of a Legend

WatchTime’s Spotlight shines on Patek Philippe, taking you on a fascinating journey through the history of this famous watchmaker. The Patek Philippe story spans more than 160 years; in that time, the brand has won international renown and has reconfirmed its standing as one of the world’s most important watchmakers. Discover the story now, as only this historical article from WatchTime Magazine could tell it!

Download the article now and discover the full story behind Patek Philippe.

The first pioneer of Patek Philippe was Antoine Norbert de Patek. On May 1, 1839 he laid the cornerstone for his legendary life’s work, founding his own watch manufacture under the name Patek, Czapek & Co. Here, the first Patek Philippe pocket watch was born; afterward, Patek began producing about 200 high-quality pocket watches per year. On May, 15, 1845 Patek & Co. was founded, with headquarters in Geneva with a new partner, Jean Adrien Philippe, who became the company’s technical director. Prompted by Philippe’s ingenuity, from 1845 onward the firm started producing watchmaking machinery of its own design. The teaming of the gifted businessman, Patek, with the pioneering watchmaker, Philippe, was the beginning of the Patek Philippe watch company as we know it.

Download the article now and discover the full story behind Patek Philippe.

In 1846, Tiffany & Co. wanted its own Patek Philippe pocket watch. After a dinner with Patek in New York, Tiffany appointed Patek Philippe its principal supplier of pocket watches for the next several years. Throughout the history of Patek Philippe, many famous personalities became enthusiasts of these watches. For example, in 1915, Albert Einstein ordered a Patek Philippe watch in gold.

The Stern brothers, Charles and Jean, entered the picture in 1932. They came to Patek Philippe’s rescue during the bleak days of the Great Depression. It was fortunate for Patek Philippe, because the company rapidly regained ground under its new management. The brothers Stern invested in many innovations and took the watch manufactory forward.

Under the Stern family, which still leads Patek Philippe today, the company has seen many developments and innovations. In this era, several iconic watches, such as the Patek Philippe Calatrava, the Nautilus, and the Grande Complications, made their debut. The brand has won many awards and continued to invest in quality control and technology. It is not without reason that a Patek Philippe watch is regarded by many as the pinnacle of Swiss luxury watchmaking. In this family owned company, a dedication to watchmaking is passed down from generation to generation.

Only WatchTime could tell the story of Patek Philippe and its interesting history with such flair. Download the article now and discover the full story behind Patek Philippe.

Enjoy our FREE Download, WatchTime Spotlight: Patek Philippe, and learn more about:

  • The history of Patek Philippe
  • The pioneers of Patek Philippe
  • The first Patek Philippe pocket watch
  • The philosophy behind Patek Philippe watches

Don’t delay; download WatchTime Spotlight: Patek Philippe now!

This promotional article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated.

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  1. dr. Adnan Ali

    Kindly provide me with enough history of Patek Philip watch makers.

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