Patek Philippe has long been known as one of the top watch brands. The brand’s reputation stems from its extensive history.
Today, Patek Philippe is recognized as one of the brands within the category of The Holy Trinity of Watches. Let’s dive deeper into the history of this brand and the unique qualities that make it increasingly popular to this day.
The Beginnings of Patek Philippe in 1839
Patek Philippe, salah satu pembuat jam tangan mewah paling terkenal di dunia, memiliki Patek Philippe, one of the most renowned luxury watchmakers in the world, has a history that dates back to 1839.
The company was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, by two Polish immigrants, Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek.
Initially, the company was known as Patek, Czapek & Cie. They focused on crafting high-quality pocket watches, although their production was still small in scale.
However, the partnership between Patek and Czapek only lasted until 1844. In the same year, Patek met a talented French watchmaker named Adrien Philippe at an exhibition in Paris.
Philippe was famous for his innovation in keyless winding mechanisms—a system that allowed watches to be set and wound without a key. This technology revolutionized the watchmaking industry at the time.
In 1845, after parting ways with Czapek, Antoni Patek formed a new company with Adrien Philippe, named Patek & Cie.
Then, in 1851, the company’s name was officially changed to Patek Philippe & Co, marking the beginning of an era that established the brand as a symbol of high craftsmanship, innovation, and luxury.
Read more: A Closer Look: Why are Patek Philippe Watches so Expensive?
The Development of Patek Philippe in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Patek Philippe experienced rapid development throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Here’s a glimpse into the history of its development during these two centuries.
1. Patek Philippe in the 19th Century
In the 19th century, they cemented their global reputation through innovations like Adrien Philippe’s keyless winding mechanism, as well as crafting watches with complications such as perpetual calendars and minute repeaters.
Recognition from royalty and notable figures, including Queen Victoria, strengthened their position in the international market.
2. Patek Philippe in the 20th Century
Entering the 20th century, Patek Philippe continued to evolve under the Stern family’s ownership, bringing stability and a long-term vision.
They introduced iconic collections such as the Calatrava and Nautilus, and created intricate watches like the Calibre 89, featuring 33 complications.
Despite challenges during the “Quartz Crisis” era, Patek Philippe maintained its mechanical superiority while selectively adopting quartz technology.
Read more: Patek Philippe Calatrava: History and Recommendations
Patek Philippe’s Contribution to Watch Design and Technology
Patek Philippe has made significant contributions to watch design and technology, establishing itself as a pioneer in luxury watch innovation.
One of their early major contributions was Adrien Philippe’s introduction of the keyless winding mechanism in the 19th century, eliminating the need for a key to set and wind a watch. This innovation became a standard in the watch industry.
Additionally, Patek Philippe led the creation of watches with major complications, including perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, and chronographs.
In design, they introduced collections like Calatrava, with its simple and elegant aesthetics that revolutionized classic watch design, and Nautilus, a luxury sports watch with an octagonal-shaped case that became a style icon.
Their technology includes innovations like the column wheel in chronograph mechanisms and the development of ultra-thin watch movements.
Moreover, Patek Philippe created complex watches like the Calibre 89, featuring 33 complications, showcasing extraordinary technical excellence.
Where to Buy Patek Philippe in Indonesia
With a long history, it’s no wonder Patek Philippe’s reputation remains strong in the luxury watch industry to this day.
Watch collectors in Indonesia can now also acquire Patek Philippe watches. One way is by purchasing Patek Philippe through Luxehouze.
Luxehouze offers a vast collection of luxury watches, including those from Patek Philippe. All watches available at Luxehouze are guaranteed 100% authentic and can be purchased at the best prices. So, if you want to add a Patek Philippe watch to your personal collection, visit Luxehouze now!