The Patek Philippe Legacy

Vintage Patek Philippe wrist watch featuring a diamond case, crafted of solid platinum. Click here for more details. Photo ©2018 EraGem Jewelry.   This incredible Patek Philippe wrist watch features a diamond case with a mesh band. Crafted in solid platinum, it includes a manual wind movement. The movement includes the serial number 807126. The diamond case is set with 18 diamonds, and the watch includes eight adjustments. This means it has eight ways by which to overcome the tendency for a manual watch to lose time throughout the day. This incredible vintage ladies watch represents the artistry, ingenuity, and technological mastery of one of horology's most esteemed watchmakers - Patek Philippe.  

Patek Philippe History

Patek

In the early 1830s, Antoine Patek traveled from Eastern Poland to France as a sublieutenant of the Calvary Brigade. After living for a time in France, he left for Switzerland, where he registered as an official resident of Versoix in 1835. In 1839, Patek and his partner, Francois Czapek, established Patek-Czapek Manufacturer in Geneva, Switzerland. After five years with his business partner, Patek grew antsy for a more innovative approach to watchmaking. In 1844, he traveled to Paris to visit the French Industrial Exposition.   Philippe Born in France in 1815, Adrien Philippe apprenticed with his father, a skilled watchmaker. Upon completing his training, Philippe embarked on a tour de France to expand his business prospects. After three years in Le Havre, he traveled to London. In 1839, he returned to France to find the market for high-end timepieces lackluster. While enjoying Philippe's company, a royal watchmaker wished aloud for a watch without a winding key, commenting that such an invention "would be a ray of hope." {source} At the 1844 Paris Industrial Exposition, Philippe presented his innovative winding system. To his dismay, it failed to attract the attention he expected. It did, however, attract the attention of Antoine Patek. While at the French Industrial Exposition, Patek discovered Philippe's keyless winding invention. The following year, Patek wrote to Philippe inviting him to come to Geneva in disguise. He included explicit instructions that Philippe enter the city and promptly present himself to Mdme Patek at their #15 location and announce himself simply as Mssr Adrien. Philippe seized the opportunity, having long dreamed of working in a manufacturing establishment. At last, he could use the techniques he had learned and invented to manufacture and assemble portions of watches in batches.  

A Partnership is Born

That same year, Patek ended his partnership with Czapek. He and Philippe, plus a third partner, Vincent Gsotkowski, established a new marketing strategy under the company name Patek & Cie (later Patek Philippe & Cie). As technical director, Philippe oversaw the production processes, making sure the latest innovations in watchmaking were used in their manufacture. Meanwhile, Patek took an innovative approach to branding, traveling the breadth of two continents - Europe and North America - to establish their watches as the world's most coveted. He also encouraged his workman to employ the latest artistic techniques to the design of their timepieces. Their partnership was the ultimate marriage of art and invention. On the inside, their watches represented the latest in innovation, technology, and precision. On the outside, they represented the latest in lavish artistry. In order to establish their luxury brand, Patek Philippe hired artisans from around the world. These skilled craftsmen combined intricate engravings, enameling, and precious stones with visionary design concepts to elevate a mechanical timepiece into a luxurious piece of wearable art.  

Noticed by the Queen

In 1851, Patek and Philippe travel to London to exhibit their wares at the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations. This exhibition was the first of its kind hosted in London, organized by Prince Albert and Henry Cole. Queen Victoria reveled in the artistry and innovation on display by merchants from all over the world. Certainly, she purchased many delectable treats for herself and Albert, as well as for her children and her many friends. Among these royal souvenirs was a pair of Patek Philippe & Cie pocket watches, one for herself and one for her beloved Albert. As a result of the Queen's approval, Patek Philippe & Cie (eventually Patek Philippe) became the top choice for many royals around the world. Their influence grew, as did their watchmaking skills. In time, Patek Philippe established themselves as one of the world's premier watchmakers. The company hit a few speed bumps along the way, as most enduring businesses do. The first came when Antoine de Patek passed away in 1877. The second, when Adrien Philippe died in 1894. However, though the company floundered a bit, it transitioned nicely into a publicly traded entity in 1901.  

The Philippe Patek Legacy

The final speed bump came when the stock market crashed. Fortunately, another esteemed watch manufacturer agreed to buy the company without changing the trajectory or marketing strategy. Today, over 100 years later, the Stern family continues to steer Patek Philippe straight into the future. This makes Patek Philippe the oldest family-owned, independent watch manufacturer in Geneva, with a birthday nearing 200 years. The company's renown among royalty and the elite endures today. Patek Philippe continues to manufacture high-end luxury watches with intricate inner workings and timeless designs. They continue to stand above the rest, therefore attracting elite collectors. Hence, their vintage and antique pieces command top dollar whenever they come to market. It is our privilege to offer this vintage Patek Philippe watch. The serial number on the internal movement dates it between 1925 and 1930. This means the exterior of the watch was made sometime after 1925 and likely before 1940. {source} We'd love to show you this gorgeous vintage luxury watch in person. Call today to make an appointment to visit our Seattle-area showroom.