5 Patek Philippe Watches for Elite Collectors

Horological enthusiasts approach luxury watch collecting from all kinds of different angles and niches. Some aim to build collections that span numerous different brands, while others prefer to hone a watch box full of one particular creator’s finest wares. There is no right or wrong option here; your watch collection is a reflection of your unique tastes and sensibilities.

However, whether you are collecting for breadth or depth, Patek Philippe watches are a must-have in any serious enthusiast’s inventory. These hallowed Swiss timepieces have been around for nearly two centuries, and as the brand swiftly approaches its 200th birthday, some standout options have risen to the surface.

If you are building a collection of Patek Philippe timepieces, we are here to help. Our team at Avi & Co. specializes in curating a catalogue of the world’s finest watches, from traditional Patek Philippe to tech-savvy Richard Mille and everything in between. We seek out the luxurious wristwear that our elite customer base will love and cherish. When you visit us in one of our three upscale boutiques, you are sure to find a treasure trove of horological riches.

Now, we embark on a journey through the history and legacy of Patek Philippe. We begin with the brand’s 1839 inception and end with an exploration of five exquisite timepieces that are sure to take any collector’s watch box to the next echelon of sophistication and glamour.

Patek Philippe was established in 1839 in Geneva, Switzerland, and was named after two of its founders: Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe. The company has numerous horological achievements to its name and is often credited with one of the most monumental accolades in watchmaking history: creating the very first wristwatch.

In the 1800s, pocket watches were in fashion for men. Women’s clothing, however, lacked the pockets to make this type of timekeeping practical. Thus, Patek Philippe was commissioned to create a wristwatch for the Hungarian Countess Koscowicz in 1868. This timepiece walked the line between haute horology and high jewelry, standing out as a decadent symbol of the countess’ wealth, taste, and sophistication.

Come 1932, the company was purchased by the Stern family in Switzerland. It remains under the control of this family today and is led by President and CEO Thierry Stern. This family ownership makes Patek Philippe the last remaining family-owned and operated watchmaker in Geneva, a title that means a lot to the company in terms of both prestige and craftsmanship.

Throughout the 1900s, under the leadership of the Stern family, Patek Philippe continued to innovate and grow. While it continued creating its famed Complications and Grand Complications collections, the company also leaned into the Art Deco era with the iconic Calatrava wristwatch, unveiled in 1932. The Calatrava remains popular today, although many would argue that Patek Philippe did not truly enter its modern era until the 1970s.

What happened during that fateful decade, you may ask? The 1970s were a period of discomfort and change for many in the Swiss watch industry. The so-called quartz crisis paralyzed Swiss horology, as Japanese watchmakers began distributing cheaper timepieces that were faster to make and more accessible to the general public. A line in the sand was drawn; did the luxury of Swiss craftsmanship truly mean enough to hold onto its customer base?

A select few brands, Patek Philippe among them, proved that it did. But of course, this did not happen without some marketing shifts. In 1976, Patek Philippe debuted its Nautilus collection, offering up a stainless steel sports watch meant to appeal to a more modern generation. The Nautilus was a smashing success, even yielding a sister line (the Aquanaut collection) in the 1990s.

For those who appreciate a brand with a legacy, Patek Philippe is an ideal choice to start or to balance your collection of timepieces. From the Nautilus to the Calatrava and everything in between, this is a catalogue that rarely misses.

With so many Patek Philippe watches to choose from, where does one begin? This is by no means a comprehensive list of all of the Patek Philippe timepieces that deserve a spot in your watch box, but it can certainly offer a place to start. If you are looking for a specific Patek Philippe that you do not see on our website, do not hesitate to reach out. Our team would be happy to source the piece you are dreaming of via our robust network of watch connoisseurs.

There is something truly astonishing about the refinement and sophistication of a Patek Philippe Grand Complications watch. This marvelous example of the brand’s paramount line showcases an elegant perpetual calendar complication and a chronograph. Plus, the moon phase aperture at the 6 o’clock position adds even more technical mastery. Aesthetically, this watch does not disappoint. The case is crafted from luminous platinum and set with a stunning baguette sapphire bezel that complements the deep blue of the watch’s dial. A black leather strap with blue stitching completes the picture perfectly. Turn the watch over and discover the openworked caseback, offering up a glimpse of the piece’s intricate inner workings. Bask in this manually wound timepiece’s luxurious presence on your wrist when you take it home with you today.

Not to be overlooked, the Patek Philippe Complications line is yet another major player from the Geneva-based brand. While these timepieces showcase fewer complications than their Grand Complications counterparts, they are nonetheless an impressive testament to the engineering and design that goes on behind the scenes at Patek Philippe. These gorgeous watches are perfectly suited for any collector who values refinement and precision. They are often traditional in form, celebrating the heritage and history of the brand as a whole. We love the 18K rose gold example above, which showcases an exquisite five-link bracelet paired with a white dial and Roman numeral hour markers. The annual calendar complication offers apertures for the month, the day of the week, and the date, as well as an attractive bosom-style moonphase display. This is a timepiece that will never go out of style.

Even within the Patek Philippe Nautilus line, there are a wealth of options and reference numbers to choose from. We have decided to showcase the much-loved Reference #5712. This timepiece was unveiled at Baselworld in 2006 to much acclaim. It combines the classic elegance of the Nautilus design with a number of refined complications, including a small seconds subdial, a moon phase display, a date aperture, and a power reserve indicator. This example features alternating brushed and polished rose gold and a warm, brown dial that is both inviting and elevated. This is a truly distinctive example of the Nautilus watch reimagined for the modern day consumer, and the Reference #5712 has the fans to prove it.

In the 1990s, Patek Philippe released the Aquanaut line, intended as the more rugged and adventurous younger sibling to the Nautilus collection of the 1970s. The Aquanaut watches feature the same cushion-shaped case but switch to a durable and versatile “tropical” rubber strap and often showcase larger case sizes. While the collection was met with some initial uncertainty, it has cemented its place amidst the stalwarts of the watch world over the past three decades, and it is likely here to stay for the foreseeable future. We love the unexpected glamour that occurs when Patek Philippe offers us an Aquanaut set with diamonds, juxtaposing the athletic appearance of the rubber strap with the finery of precious gemstones.

For a minimalist yet refined piece of wristwear, it is hard to match the timeless appeal of the Patek Philippe Calatrava. This timepiece has been a favorite of numerous watch collectors and celebrities throughout the years. As the Calatrava approaches its centurion anniversary, we have been delighted by the new twists and changes that Patek Philippe has made to this line. Typically, the Calatrava watches are equipped with relatively subdued dials and traditional leather straps, making them both striking and subtle in equal measure. These watches are symbolic of quiet luxury, everlasting taste, and fashion that transcends decades. A Calatrava is a timepiece that you can pass down for generations, never worrying about the ebb and flow of fleeting trends.

Here at Avi & Co., we are proud to be one of Manhattan’s premier destinations for both luxury watches and fine diamond jewelry. From Rolex to Richard Mille and from Audemars Piguet to Patek Philippe, our three showrooms are stocked with glamorous accessories and collectible timepieces that you will be thrilled to fasten around your wrist. Do not forget to explore our own Avi & Co. watch lines as well as our Diamonds by Avi & Co. jewelry line when you visit.

Make an appointment today to shop with us in person today. We cannot wait to welcome you into our Avi & Co. family.