BRAND HISTORY

Patek Philippe, a distinguished brand that has consistently held the top position in the watchmaking world since the mid-19th century. Revered by watch enthusiasts as the ultimate pinnacle, this world-class watch brand was founded by two individuals passionate about timepieces.

The foundation was first laid by Antoine de Patek, an exiled nobleman from Poland. He fled his homeland, under the oppression of Tsarist Russia, to Geneva, the heart of the Swiss watch industry. There, he became interested in the local watchmaking industry and, through his encounter with watchmaker François Czapek, established a watch company in 1839.

Although the company's performance grew steadily, Antoine de Patek sought further possibilities in watch manufacturing. Around that time, he visited the Universal Exposition in Paris, France, and was greatly impressed by the world's first crown-wound pocket watch.

The watchmaker who created this timepiece was Jean-Adrien Philippe. Antoine de Patek brought him in to succeed François Czapek. The encounter between these two men led to the development of new mechanisms such as the split-seconds chronograph in '46 and the free-sprung balance in '48. In 1851, the year the company won a gold medal at the London Exposition, the company name was changed to the current "Patek Philippe."

Subsequently, Patek Philippe actively pursued complex mechanisms, developing its first perpetual calendar in '89. Notably, the "Graves Watch" of 1927 earned high acclaim as a historic complication watch, equipped with 24 complex mechanisms. Furthermore, in 1932, they introduced the Calatrava, still regarded today as the benchmark for dress watches, establishing a solid position in the realm of wristwatches.

Having thus taken a leading role in the watchmaking world, Patek Philippe continues to produce numerous masterpieces, from simple watches to complicated timepieces, even in the 21st century. While preserving traditional techniques to pass on the heritage of Swiss watchmaking to future generations, the company also actively challenges itself to develop new technologies and materials to forge new possibilities.

Year of Establishment: 1839
Place of Establishment: Geneva, Switzerland
Main Series Names: Calatrava, Gondolo, Grand Complications, Nautilus
Contact: Patek Philippe Japan Information Center 03-3255-8109
Official Website: http://www.patek.com/