Patek Philippe was one of the first watchmaker companies to establish profitable business relationships with the United States. It has repeatedly produced the world’s most expensive watch, and Patek Philippe’s pocket watch has been remembered throughout history.
At Tiffany & Co. in New York, an exclusive arrangement was signed. Due to its relationships with Rio de Janeiro wholesalers Gondolo and Labouriau, the company is very well-known in Latin America.
Watchmakers began pushing the bounds of incorporating new capabilities onto their timepieces as wristwatches became more popular. In 1925, Patek Philippe introduced the world to the first timepiece with a perpetual calendar.
Patek Philippe also created the first bracelet timepieces, which were available with or without a split-second mechanism. They also made the first-minute repeating wristwatches (if you own one of these watches, our expert team of watch appraisals can help you with a valuation).
Calatrava White Gold Pilot Travel Time Watch Ref. 5524
Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 5224 White Gold Pilot Travel Time, despite its reputation as the most incredible dress watch, is unlike anything else we’ve seen from the company. Simply glancing at it, one can tell it’s a pilot’s watch, but when told it’s a Calatrava, they’ll do a double-take.
While Patek Philippe isn’t recognized for creating aviation timepieces, they have a history of doing so, and for the military as well, dating back to the 1930s. The ref. 5224 is a modern take on that era, with a 42mm white gold case instead of steel and a rich, textured blue dial instead of black, as one might expect from a pilot’s watch.
Perpetual Calendar 18K Yellow Gold Watch 3940
Patek Philippe is known for its ultra-complicated timepieces, but understanding the Perpetual Calendar 3940G requires some context. Its low cost compared to other more sophisticated Pateks has made it an underappreciated piece.
It was the first highly complicated, serially produced timepiece with a perpetual calendar (along with the perpetual calendar chronograph ref. 3970), and it is also one of Patek Philippe’s longest-running production references, having been produced continuously from 1985 to 2006, spanning four case metals and four dial iterations. Philippe Stern, for example, elected to wear a 3940 daily.
Perpetual Calendar 18K Yellow Gold Watch 3940
Aside from its history, the construction of the 3940 is certainly something to behold. It is driven by the all-new, ultra-thin caliber 240, Patek Philippe’s first movement with an off-center micro-rotor at the time. This made room for the 3940’s sleek and fragile 9mm case, which fits snugly around the wrist.
The watch’s great aesthetics, of course, should not be disregarded. The 3940 has a lovely vintage style with a white opaline dial, dauphine hands, and symmetrical subdials. Despite all of its features, Patek Philippe’s design is noted for its restraint.
THE 1957 MODEL 2499
Only five pieces of this model are known to have been made. The model is 18 carats rose gold with a Patek Philippe signature stamp carved on the case. A 1957 Model 2499 watch sold for $2.28 million at a Christie’s auction in 2007. It was the most expensive Patek Philippe piece ever sold.
THE 1953 HEURES UNIVERSELLES MODEL 2523
In the year 1953, this magnificent model was initially released. The case of the Heures Universelles Model 2523 is made of 18-carat gold and is painstakingly and vibrantly fashioned to fit its big moniker. The map of North America is depicted on the enamel dial of this item, contributing to its creative appearance. At an auction, the model garnered $2.9 million.
THE 1927 MINUTE REPEATING WRISTWATCH
This item was created for Henry Graves, a close Patek Philippe associate, engraved with his particular message, “Esse Quam Videri,” which means “To be, not to appear.” It has a unique shape and a lovely yellow gold casing, and the Graves family coat of arms. It was auctioned off for a total of $2.99 million by Sotheby’s.
THE 1939 PLATINUM WORLD TIME
In terms of design, this Patek Philippe model distinguishes out as a true masterpiece. Only one watch of this model was made, thereby elevating it to a collector’s item status. The model’s design is meticulously crafted, with the cherry on top being that 24 time zones and over 42 of the world’s most significant cities have been meticulously incorporated on its face.
Takeaway
Acceptable assets are constantly in high demand, as evidenced by the fact that prices at auctions worldwide continue to rise year after year. We’ve written in-depth stories about the most valuable assets ever sold at auction, such as exquisite wine collections, high-end jewelry, designer handbags, antique cars, diamonds, and great art.
Also Read: Tag Heuer Timepiece Collection