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 managed by President Thierry Stern, Honorary President Philippe Stern and CEO Claude Peny. Its impressive long history gives the Geneva-based company more freedom than almost any other manufacturer. The watches, which are bursting with creativity, are considered by experts to be the best in the world – an ambition already shared by their founders Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe. Apart from first-class traditional craftsmanship, Patek Philippe also puts innovation first. The company already holds more than a hundred patents – a masterpiece. The company’s many years of market success, however, is hardly surprising when one considers its strong principles. The ten corporate values have shaped the manufactory since its beginnings: Independence, tradition, innovation, quality and craftsmanship, rarity, value, aesthetics, service, emotion and legacy. This mixture of highly esteemable standards guarantees success.
Strong and independent
Patek Philippe is an independent company. The manufactory has a 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 and that with every model – none of these masterpieces are ever given out of hand. The impressive know-how is reflected in every Patek Philippe watch and accompanies it throughout its entire life: maintenance and repairs are also carried out for all models produced since 1839. As the oldest independent family-owned watch manufacturer in Geneva, Patek Philippe naturally wants to preserve this independence in the best possible way. To achieve this, the company relies on internal growth, for example by investing in the future or manufacturing resources.
In this way, the fate of the company remains in its own hands and guarantees unlimited sovereignty at all levels. The models are designed and manufactured according to the in-house criteria set out in the Patek Philippe Seal guidelines. Independence is the core of the company and a sign of consistency, determination and reliability. Patek Philippe is also involved in a number of real estate projects that Philippe Stern has taken on in particular. He himself drove the construction of the Patek Philippe Museum forward. All major projects, such as the production site in Plan-les-Ouates with a new extension or the exclusive salons in Geneva, London and Paris, were financed entirely out of his own pocket. His son Thierry is also personally committed to securing the company’s leading technical position and constantly perfecting the quality and reliability of its products.
Exclusive and sensitive
Patek Philippe watches are always exclusive creations. The regular production includes over 200 different models. They are manufactured in small series, which contain between twelve and one hundred pieces. Each timepiece houses an in-house movement. Watch fans 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, each timepiece takes its time for many months. In every precious piece you will find centuries of experience and many hours of work. That is what makes a Patek Philippe so noble. As a result, the value stagnates or even increases despite the passage of time. Meanwhile many watches of the Geneva manufactory are cult and trade at auctions prices in record height. Collectors therefore regard them as a profitable investment with a high emotional value. However, most watches are regarded as precious family heirlooms that tell stories of emotion and passion. This makes a Patek Philippe far more than just a timepiece – it is a very special companion that carries valuable memories. The purchase of a Patek Philippe is often associated with a significant event in life, such as a promotion, marriage or birth. On such joyful occasions, a Patek Philippe watch is the perfect gift – it shows pure emotion and will forever remind the recipient of this important moment in their life.
Noble and timeless
The look of the Patek Philippe timepiece is more varied than it may seem at first glance. However, the Swiss designs are really not trend-oriented, but a mirror of timeless aesthetics. The noble, discreet style is beautiful and appropriate at all times – fleeting trends are not an issue for watchmakers. That’s why Patek Philippe jewellery has been so popular for some time now – it’s always attractive and wearable. The personality and restraint paired with refinement and individuality result in an incomparable mixture, which has already served as inspiration for the design of many other classics.
The latest prank is for the woman
Just recently, the traditional company launched a new watch for ladies. This is an appealing mix of traditional and modern – in keeping with the company’s values. This time, the presentation of the new timepiece danced with an important detail from the series: the new presentation took place in Milan instead of Basel. However, this change was deliberately carried out and has nothing to do with Basel’s regaining its significance as the watch capital: The new location is intended to herald a turning point. Milan is the metropolis of fashion and design, a modern and dynamic cultural stronghold. These are attributes that also describe the new “Twenty-4 Automatic” – which made Milan the perfect city for the show. The watch is designed for the progressive, gallant woman of today. Is it a coincidence that Patek Philippe is coming to Milan with this watch in the same year that the birthday of the ’68 movement and women’s suffrage are celebrated? Who knows? The fact is, however, that female emancipation is once again at the centre of attention, and the new edition of the Twenty-4 with its aesthetic pragmatism after almost 20 years is the perfect companion for the independent, determined woman.
The special ladies’ timepiece has been perfected for two years. There were over ten prototypes before the jewel was finally mass-produced. After all, they wanted to do justice to the previous Twenty 4 series and not disappoint fans at all. The result was to preserve the tradition of the model, but at the same time be innovative. But the new edition is definitely worth seeing, because the attractive combination of old spirit and modernity was a complete success. The watch houses an automatic movement in a round case. The heart of the new model is the caliber 324 S C, which was manufactured according to the strict requirements of the Patek Philippe seal and refined by hand with elaborate finishes. The movement also contains a Spiromax spiral made of Silinvar – a gem that guarantees maximum precision and reliability. There is a stainless steel version and a rose gold version, as well as various dial colours. Each watch comes with a precious diamond bezel. A beautiful, elegant masterpiece that a woman can wear throughout the day, according to her name. The new Twenty-4 by Patek Philippe is not just jewellery or a toy, it is the finest watchmaker’s art and anyone who chooses it will appreciate it.
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