About Patek Philippe Watches
As one of the oldest and most famous Swiss timepiece brands in the world, Patek Philippe belongs to a trio of ‘holy trinity’ watchmakers that are familiar to many in the high-end price bracket along with Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin.
Known for their fabulously complicated movements behind stunning, instantly recognizable designs, the demand for Patek Philippe watches among enthusiasts is quite extraordinary. Patek also holds the record for the most expensive watch ever sold at just over USD 30 million.
Patek Philippe is also regarded for their broad range of designs from the sporty elegance of the Nautilus to equally sophisticated but more refined dress pieces such as the timeless Calatrava.
These magnificent timepieces are of course presented with a magnificent price, although that is easily justified by the breathtaking ingenuity and handmade craftsmanship that goes into each watch. An indication of their craftsmanship is demonstrated by the number of watches created each year which is a modest 62,000 in comparison to Rolex's one million.
Patek Philippe Key Features
- Innovative Horology: Pioneering advancements in watch mechanics.
- Handcrafted Excellence: Every watch meticulously assembled by experts.
- Heritage & Prestige: A legacy brand symbolizing creativity and sophistication.
- Exclusive Craftsmanship: Limited production ensures exclusivity.
- Aesthetic Perfection: Timeless designs blending tradition and modernity.
- Investment Value: Known for appreciating over time.
Patek Philippe Watch Collections
Patek Philippe Nautilus
First launched in 1976 and a firm favorite in the luxury sports category of used Patek Philippe watches, the Patek Philippe Nautilus is known for its ingenious horizontally embossed dial and porthole construction of its case. Pre-owned Patek Philippe Nautilus is one of the world's most coveted watches, consistently sought after and highly desired by enthusiasts and collectors, having developed an iconic status over time.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Key Features
- Case Size: 40mm
- Bracelet: Integrated stainless steel
- Dial: Horizontal embossed pattern
- Bezel: Fixed rounded octagonal
- Water Resistance: 120m
Patek Philippe Aquanaut
Famous for its salt water-resistant strap, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut is a sporty yet sophisticated choice in the Patek Philippe pre-owned market. Drawing inspiration from the Nautilus, this octagon-shaped timepiece is best described as a vibrant, more relaxed option for enthusiasts and collectors of used Patek Philippe watches.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Key Features
- Case Size: 35.6mm to 42.2mm
- Bracelet: “Tropical” composite strap
- Dial: Embossed with a checkerboard pattern
- Bezel: Rounded octagonal
- Water Resistance: Up to 120m
Patek Philippe Calatrava
A stunning symbol of elegance since 1932, the Calatrava is Patek Philippe’s dedication to a simple yet timeless dress watch design. In the world of pre-owned Patek Philippe watches, the Calatrava has always been popular owing to its classic appeal. The Calatrava is a highly sought-after choice for anyone looking for Patek Philippe used watches - a solid, dependable investment piece.
Patek Philippe Calatrava Key Features
- Case Size: 36mm to 39mm
- Bracelet: Leather strap
- Dial: Simple, elegant, often with a date window
- Bezel: Generally smooth, sometimes hobnail patterned
- Water Resistance: Up to 30m
Patek Philippe Grand Complications
The Grand Complications provides a lesson in Patek Philippe’s mastery of complex watchmaking, featuring some of the most prestigious timepieces on the used Patek Philippe market. The collection includes minute repeaters and perpetual calendars and is prized for its intricate craftsmanship and technical innovation.
Patek Philippe Grand Complications Key Features
- Case Size: 40mm (for popular models like Ref. 5140)
- Bracelet: Leather strap
- Dial: Complex with multiple complications
- Bezel: Smooth or fluted
- Water Resistance: 30m
Patek Philippe Complications
The Complications collection from Patek Philippe presents a diverse range of timepieces with practical, hand-crafted features. Renowned for its Annual Calendars, dual time zones, and World Time displays, this collection is a popular choice among collectors of pre-owned Patek Philippe watches, reputed for both functionality and luxury.
Patek Philippe Complications Key Features
- Case Size: 40mm (for popular models like the Annual Calendar)
- Bracelet: Leather or metal
- Dial: Various, depending on the complication
- Bezel: Smooth or patterned
- Water Resistance: 30m
Patek Philippe Gondolo
With its distinctive rectangular, tonneau (or cushion-shaped) cases, the Gondolo has been a part of Patek Philippe’s heritage since the early 1920s. Now evolving into sophisticated contemporary ladies' watches, the Gondolo is a great example of Patek’s versatility, appealing to anyone in the collectors or pre-owned Patek Philippe market.
Patek Philippe Gondolo Key Features
- Case Size: 33mm x 43mm (for Ref. 5098 model)
- Bracelet: Leather strap
- Dial: Art Deco style
- Bezel: Rectangular or tonneau
- Water Resistance: 30m
Brief History of Patek Philippe
As one of the oldest Swiss watch brands, Patek Philippe first launched in 1839 and in doing so, they completely revolutionized the way watches worked at that time.
Patek Philippe not only invented one of the first wristwatches ever made, but they also laid out the blueprint for how every wristwatch has looked ever since. Notably, they were the first watchmakers to remove the winding key, inventing the hand-setting crown that is still in use with all watches to this day.
Arguably, it was Patek Philippe who initiated the pocket watch to wristwatch revolution. Modern watches would not even have the same ubiquitous crown feature if it were not for this luxury brand launched almost two centuries prior.
In 1889, Patek invented the perpetual calendar for pocket watches before rolling out the first-ever perpetual calendar wristwatch some 35 years later in 1925. A decade or so later, Patek also invented and launched wristwatches with a split-second hand, perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and chronograph.
Of all the world-famous watch brands, Patek is the only independent family-owned watchmaker remaining in Geneva, having been owned and operated by the Sterns family since 1932.
Pre-Owned Patek Philippe: Sheer Elegance
We tend to think of watches today as following a traditional mechanical recipe, but when Patek Philippe first came to market, they completely disrupted the way things were done.
They have also continued to follow the same handmade principles of their forefathers by ensuring every watch is built by a team of highly trained, experienced horologists combining cutting-edge techniques and machinery with traditional craftsmanship.
As a result, Patek watches take an average of two years to build through a painstaking process involving thousands of individual movements in each piece. When you buy a Patek Philippe watch, you are wearing a highly complicated movement engineered by the most ingenious watchmakers in the world - supported by a vast heritage of watchmaking excellence.
However, you don’t merely buy Patek Philippe: in acquiring one of these stunning timepieces, you are investing in something that will almost certainly increase in value over time. Of all of the luxury watch brands, used Patek Philippe are among the most dependable for long-term value appreciation.
Patek Philippe Price Trends
The market for used Patek Philippe watches has seen huge growth in recent years. Demand for sought-after men's luxury watch models, in general, has steadily risen due to several factors mostly relating to supply (or a lack of). However, used Patek watches, in particular, seem stronger than many brands at the moment.
With a far greater demand for pre-owned men's watches, especially rare finds together with an inferior number manufactured each year, the demand has been quite remarkable for Patek. In addition, consumers increasingly recognize men's watches as collectibles and potential investment assets for the long haul.
While market fluctuations are always possible, the long-term outlook for Patek Philippe watches remains very encouraging as prices continue to trend upward with most models.
Sell or Trade Your Patek Philippe Watch
Considering a change in your watch collection? Watch Chest offers specialized services to sell or trade your Patek Philippe timepiece. Our process is designed to get the best value for your watch. Whether you're eyeing an upgrade or seeking a hassle-free sale, our team is committed to providing competitive offers and expert advice. Reach out to us to learn more about how you can find the best with Watch Chest.
Why Buy a Used Patek Philippe With Watch Chest?
It's rare these days of just walking into an authorized dealership and buying the Patek Philippe you want. With just over 50,000 watches produced each year, the demand far exceeds supply. Waiting lists are extreme (at best), leaving the used market the best option to buy a Patek Philippe watch.
At Watch Chest, you will find beautiful, rare, sought-after timepieces that can be too hard to obtain through authorized dealers. What's more, if you are looking to buy a specific pre-owned Patek Philippe and we do not have it in stock, that certainly does not mean we are unable to find it. With our global connections, we can source any used Patek that you want.
