Patek Philippe - Tradition and Modernity Cleverly Combined

May 7, 2019by Alessandro Rossi
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Patek Philippe has been at the forefront of Swiss watchmaking since 1839. The company has been owned by the Stern family since 1932. Today it is led by President Thierry Stern, Honorary President Philippe Stern, and CEO Claude Peny. This impressive, long history allows the Geneva-based company a degree of freedom unmatched by any other manufacturer. Bursting with creativity, its watches are considered by experts to be the finest in the world—an ambition shared by founders Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe. In addition to first-class traditional craftsmanship, Patek Philippe also prioritizes innovation. The company already boasts more than 100 patents—a masterpiece. However, the company's long-standing market success is hardly surprising when one considers its strong principles. The ten corporate values ​​have shaped the manufacture since its inception: independence, tradition, innovation, quality and craftsmanship, rarity, value, aesthetics, service, emotion, and legacy. This blend of highly valued standards guarantees success.

Strong and independent

Patek Philippe is an independent company. The manufacture incorporates vertically integrated production with its own research and development department. All movements are developed and built independently, as are all case components. Every single step takes place in-house, for every model – none of these masterpieces is ever sold. This impressive know-how is reflected in every Patek Philippe watch and accompanies it throughout its life: Maintenance and repairs are also carried out for all models produced since 1839. As Geneva's oldest independent family-owned watch manufacturer, Patek Philippe naturally strives to preserve this independence as best as possible. To achieve this, the company relies on internal growth, for example, through investments in the future or in production resources.

In this way, the company's destiny remains in its own hands, guaranteeing unlimited sovereignty at all levels. The development and production of its models follow in-house criteria, which are laid down in the guidelines of the Patek Philippe Seal. Independence is at the heart of the company and a symbol of stability, determination, and reliability. Patek Philippe also pursues several real estate projects, which Philippe Stern has taken on in particular. He personally spearheaded the construction of the Patek Philippe Museum. All major projects, such as the production site in Plan-les-Ouates with its new extension, or the exclusive salons in Geneva, London, and Paris, were financed entirely from the company's own pockets. His son Thierry also makes it a personal priority to secure the company's technical leadership and to continually perfect the quality and reliability of its products.

Exclusive and emotional

Patek Philippe watches are always exclusive creations. Regular production includes over 200 different models. They are manufactured in small series of between twelve and one hundred pieces. Each timepiece houses an in-house manufacture movement. Watch enthusiasts have appreciated the high quality of the movements and cases for generations. The strict standards for every single step of the manufacturing process make every Patek Philippe watch a true masterpiece. In addition, many months are spent on each timepiece. Centuries of experience and many hours of work are reflected in every precious piece. This is what makes a Patek Philippe so exquisite. This is why, despite the passage of time, their value either stagnates or even increases. Many watches from the Geneva-based manufacturer have now become cult classics and fetch record prices at auctions. Collectors therefore consider them a profitable investment with high emotional value. Most often, however, the watches are viewed as precious family heirlooms that tell stories of emotion and passion. This makes a Patek Philippe far more than just a timepiece—it's a very special companion that carries precious memories. The purchase of a Patek Philippe is often associated with a significant life event, such as a promotion, marriage, or birth. A Patek Philippe watch is the perfect gift for such joyful occasions—it expresses pure emotion and will forever remind the recipient of this important moment in their life.

Noble and timeless

The look of Patek Philippe timepieces is more varied than it might appear at first glance. However, the Swiss designers' designs are not trend-oriented, but rather reflect timeless aesthetics, as is the case with the Nautilus , Calatrava , or Aquanaut models. The refined, understated style is beautiful and appropriate for any time – fleeting trends are not an issue for the watchmakers. This is why Patek Philippe jewelry has been so popular for some time – it is always attractive and wearable. The personality and restraint paired with refinement and individuality create an incomparable blend that has served as inspiration for the design of many other classics.

The latest trick is for the woman

The traditional watchmaker recently launched a new watch for women. It's an appealing mix of traditional and modern – entirely in keeping with the company's values. The presentation of the new timepiece was a bit out of the ordinary this time with one important detail: The new presentation took place in Milan instead of Basel. This change, however, was a deliberate one and had nothing to do with reclaiming Basel's status as the watchmaking capital: the new location is intended to herald a change. Milan is the metropolis of fashion and design, a modern and dynamic cultural center. These are attributes that also describe the new "Twenty-4 Automatic" – which made Milan the perfect city for the presentation. The watch is designed for the progressive, gallant woman of today. Is it a coincidence that Patek Philippe is launching this watch in the very year that celebrates the anniversary of the 1968 movement and women's suffrage? Who knows. However, the fact is: female emancipation is once again the focus and the new edition of the Twenty-4 after almost 20 years, with its aesthetic pragmatism, represents the perfect companion for the independent, determined woman.

This special timepiece for women was perfected over a full two years. Over ten prototypes were developed before the jewel was finally put into series production. Ultimately, the designers wanted to do justice to the existing Twenty-4 series and not disappoint fans. The result was intended to preserve the model's tradition while also being innovative. But the new edition is certainly impressive, as the attractive combination of old spirit and modernity is a complete success. The watch houses an automatic movement in a round case. The heart of the new piece is the Caliber 324 SC, which was manufactured according to the strict requirements of the Patek Philippe seal and refined by hand with intricate finishing. The movement also contains a Spiromax hairspring made of Silinvar – a magnificent piece that guarantees the highest precision and reliability. A stainless steel version and a rose gold version are available, as well as various dial colors. Each watch comes with a sophisticated diamond bezel. A beautifully elegant masterpiece that women – true to its name – can wear all day long. The new Twenty-4 from Patek Philippe is not just a piece of jewelry or a toy; it is the finest watchmaking art, and those who choose it appreciate that.

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Authors | Alessandro Rossi

Authors | Alessandro Rossi

Alessandro spent his youth in Florence, surrounded by the city's classical art and craftsmanship. His father, a watchmaker, let him help at the workbenches as a child.

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