As one of the oldest watchmakers in the world, it’s no surprise that Patek Philippe holds a rich and interesting history. Founded in Geneva, Switzerland, the brand crafts some of the finest and most-desirable watches in the world today and has operated for nearly 200 years. Still privately owned today, Patek Philippe’s original ethos remains unchanged, with timepiece enthusiasts around the world passionate about the brand.
Here at Cheap Witzenberg Jordan outlet we’ve long since been Patek Philippe fans, with the label’s exquisite designs proving continuously popular with our customers. Join us today as we take a deep dive into the history behind the label, so without further ado, let’s check out the comprehensive history behind Patek Philippe!
Founding Years and the Early Days
Dating all the way back to 1839, it’s safe to say that Patek Philippe is definitely a heritage brand. However, the label suede’t always known by the same name. Starting out business titled Patek, Czapek & Cie, the brand was hard at work crafting timepieces for high-status individuals, even including royalty. The label was founded by Antoine Patek and François Czapek. In 1844, through mutual industry connections, Patek met Adrien Philippe, who had just been awarded a bronze medal award for his innovative keyless winding and hand-setting systems.
A year later, Patek and Philippe joined forces to work professionally together, although the brand name Patek, Philippe and Cie suede’t officially used until 1851. The trio set to work to create the world’s best pocket watches, using Philippe’s unique designs and industry expertise.
Sam Edelman Circus NY Jacinda Thongs Ivory White SandalsInternational Recognition
After the renaming of the brand, Patek Philippe and Cie began to see an increase in popularity around the world. The label had already built a large client base, and word of mouth was beginning to get around regarding these incredible watches. In 1851, the brand headed to London to present its watches at the Great Exhibition, a trip where a pendant watch with diamonds was also given to Queen Victoria.
The brand also travelled to the USA that same year, where Patek met up with Charles Lewis Tiffany. This was the start of an epic partnership between Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. that’s still ongoing today. The duo have created countless watches together featuring Tiffany’s iconic blue hue and its sterling logo hardware.
Sam Edelman Circus NY Jacinda Thongs Ivory White SandalsIt’s All in the Technology
Like many other watchmakers at the time (take Audemars Piguet or Rolex for example), Patek Philippe was dedicated to developing new technologies and features throughout the late 1800s and the 1900s. With Philippe’s expert developmental knowledge, the brand didn’t struggle with creating several wonders in the years to come. In 1863, Patek Philippe became the first brand to feature a tourbillon within its watches, a feature which countless labels rely on today.
In fact, Patek Philippe has developed well over 100 patents since the birth of the label, with some notable developments including the perpetual calendar mechanism, the double chronograph, time-zone watches and the annual calendar mechanism. Even today, the brand is still dedicated to creating new technology to help elevate the watch industry.
Sam Edelman Circus NY Jacinda Thongs Ivory White SandalsThe Stern Family
After many years building Patek Philippe, Antoine Patek unfortunately passed away in 1877. Adrien Philippe eventually passed in 1894, leaving the business to his son Emile Joseph, who had been working with the brand for 15 years or so prior. Joseph worked tirelessly to continue the brand his father had built, enlisting the help of wealthy American businessman Henry Graves.
Eventually, the Patek Philippe brand was sold to the Stern brothers in 1932. Jean and Charles Stern had previously worked in close collaboration with Patek Philippe, as their dial manufacturing plant supplied PP with dials in previous years. The Sterns introduced classic models to the brand’s lineup such as the Calatrava, the Ellipse, the Nautilus and the Aquanaut. Patek Philippe has continued to be owned by the Stern family up until the present day, with Thierry Stern heading up the brand today.
Sam Edelman Circus NY Jacinda Thongs Ivory White SandalsContemporary Patek Philippe
In today’s market, Patek Philippe remains one of the most prestigious brands in the world of watches. Each piece is painstakingly crafted to incredibly high standards, with the label even making custom one-off pieces for high-profile clients. Known Patek Philippe fans include Jay-Z, Leonardo DiCaprio and Drake, to name just a few. Be sure to check out our full range of Patek Philippe watches right here at Cheap Witzenberg Jordan outlet, and browse the rest of our site for all you need when it comes to luxury fashion, streetwear and sneakers!