Patek Philippe

In 1839, watchmakers Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek founded a company in Geneva which is now regarded as one of the cornerstones of fine Swiss watchmaking. In 1845, Jean Adrien Philippe joined the firm and introduced key innovations such as keyless winding and, later, crown winding. These innovations significantly enhanced everyday usability and advanced the brand’s technical development. The name 'Patek Philippe & Co.' was adopted in 1851. In the 1930s, the Stern family acquired the company and continues to run it as a family business under the current leadership of Thierry Stern. At its Plan-les-Ouates manufacturing facility, traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-art precision engineering converge to produce exceptional timepieces. Iconic models include the elegant Calatrava, the Nautilus sports watch designed by Gérald Genta, the octagonal Aquanaut and the highly complex Grand Complications, which feature minute repeaters, tourbillons, and perpetual calendars. The Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva complements the company's watchmaking heritage by presenting the history of the brand and horology through historic timepieces, documents, and artisanal masterpieces.