Patek Philippe Pocket Watches - A Guide & History

Why is Patek Philippe & Co. one of the best haute luxury pocket watch maker? This article will give you answers why this time-tested watch brand is still at the top.

A brand that is meant to impress horological connoisseurs, Patek Philippe & Co. is one of the most sought after & trusted name when it comes to haute luxury timepieces.

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History of Patek Philippe brand

The Swiss company was founded in Geneva in 1839 by Count Antoine Patek and Francois Czapek. Years later, Jean Adrien Philippe replaced Czapek when the latter left the partnership and thus, the Patek Philippe brand was established in 1851.

The company wasted no time perfecting the art of watch making. By the end of the 19th century they have conquered the top tier watch market due to the brand’s unsurpassed quality.

In 1932, the company was purchased by the Stern brothers, whose family continues to run the company. Patek Philippe maintains the tradition in creating, developing and perfecting some of the most elegant and awe-inspiring watches in the world.

Why are Patek Philippe pocket watches coveted?

Patek Philippe pocket watches are said to sit at the pinnacle of watches, known for precision engineering and elegant design. Owning a coveted watch is an affirmation of one’s success.

The company uses only the very best materials and manufactures their own watch parts, right to the tiniest cog and screw. In addition to this, the pieces are created by talented and experienced craftsman.

Patek Philippe timepieces are a treat for serious collectors, enthusiasts and or horological experts. The timepieces are the products of generations of watch making tradition, expertise and refinement that constantly evolves.

What are some of the Patek Philippe & Co. masterpieces?

Patek Philippe has created several of the rarest pocket watches in history. Here are four of the most notable timepieces by the Patek Philippe & Co. Company.

1.) The Graves Supercomplication Pocket Watch

It was created in 1934 at the behest of Henry Graves Jr., a banker who wanted to outmatch his rival for possessing the most complicated watch ever. With 24 complications, it was the most complicated watch of its time.

It is made of 18k gold and was sold in December 2, 1999 for 11 million dollars. It holds the title as the most expensive pocket watch ever sold at any auction. The Supercomplication Pocket Watch is now currently being displayed in the Patek Philippe museum in Geneva, Switzerland.

2.) Caliber 89 Pocket Watch

Calibre 89 watches were finished, in rose gold, white gold and platinum — Calibre 89 watches were finished in rose gold, white gold and platinum

It is famous for being the most complicated watch in the world with 33 complications. The timepiece was launched in 1989, as a celebratory piece for Patek Philippe’s 150th year anniversary.

There are only four pocket watches crafted, each having different makes: platinum, yellow gold, pink gold and rose gold. The Caliber 89 pocket watchâ€™s estimated value is said to be 6 million dollars.

3.) James Ward Packard Patek Philippe Pocket Watch No. 174907

Signed Patek Philippe & Co., Genevam Switzerland, James Ward Packard Pocket Watch, Movement No. 174907

This rare and exclusive pocket watch was owned by James Ward Packard, a famous automotive tycoon. He was one the greatest watch collectors together with Henry Graves Jr. in America. The pocket watch is made of 18k gold and has a JWP inscription on the back lid.

This beautifully crafted timepiece is a minute-repeating watch with both a rare power reserve and Murat-style case together. The JWP pocket watch was commissioned in 1919 and has stayed out of the public eye until recently. The pocket watch remains in pristine condition and was currently sold at an auction for over 900,000 dollars.

4.) Patek Philippe Tourbillon Pocket Watch

Tourbillon openface watch with one minute tourbillon regulator

This unique pocket watch was made for Henry Graves Jr. and is said to be one of the only three platinum Patek Philippe pocket watches ever made by the company. It is arguably to be one of the most precise pocket watches that Patek Philippe & Co. has made.

This timepiece is historically valuable because it won a precision world record contest in Geneva in 1933. Like most of Henry Graves Jr.’s watches, this also bears the Graves family crest engraved at the back. The watch was sold at the auction last November 2011 for over 1.2 million dollars during the historic sale of Henry Graves Jr.’s magnificent watch collection.