The 60-second watch brand guide: Patek Philippe

Founded: 1851

President: Thierry Stern

Ownership: Private

A brief history: Long considered a paragon of watchmaking, this Genevan watch manufacture was founded from the partnership between Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe, watchmakers of Polish and French ancestries respectively. The brand has a long history of producing high and grand complications, often for luminaries such as royalty, and continues to drive technical advancements in mechanical watchmaking today.

Currently known for: Patek Philippe isn’t just known for their extremely well-made watches today, but also how the company takes a far longer view on things. As a private entity, the brand is free from the pressures of shareholders, and can afford to go its own way, often against conventional wisdom. For instance, president Thierry Stern continues to limit the production of the Nautilus despite the great demand for the model, because he feels that it is not representative of the brand and should not be allowed to grow unsustainably just to capitalise on its current popularity.

Key product lines: Complications contains the brand’s small- to mid-complications, while Grand Complications sit a tier above with its range of high and grand complications; Calatrava, defined by its round case and classic watchmaking traits; Gondolo, the umbrella collection for the brand’s Art Deco-inspired shaped cases; Golden Ellipse, defined by its elliptical case; Nautilus, the brand’s luxury sports watch line; Aquanaut, the simpler and more accessible sibling to the Nautilus that’s meant for a younger audience; Twenty-4, rectangular watches for women; and Pocket Watches.

Price range: From CHF19,000 for the Calatrava Ref. 5119 in gold, to CHF2.2 million for the Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300 in white gold