About Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe was established in 1851 between Antoine Patek and Jean A Philippe. This duo layed the foundation which allowed Patek Philippe to dominate the Swiss watch industry for over 150 years. In 1863 they invented the 'free mainspring' that lead to the invention of the automatic watch. In 1889 they invent a special 'Perpetual Calendar' which for the first time, keeps track of how many days in each month and knows when it's leap year. The 'split second' chronograph is patented by Patek in 1902. 30 years later, the last family members seek out caretakers to direct the company and sold the firm to the Stern family who still own the brand today. The Stern family have been conscientious protectors of the virtues that make Patek Philippe the best and the status and regard of the world of connoisseurs and collectors has never been higher. Fifty of the fifty-three highest prices ever paid for watches at auction were Patek Phillipe.