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 managed by President Thierry Stern, Honorary President Philippe Stern and CEO Claude Peny. The impressive long history allows the Geneva-based company freedom like no other manufacturer. The watches, which are bursting with creativity, are considered by experts to be the best in the world - an ambition that founders Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe had. In addition to first-class traditional craftsmanship, innovation is also a top priority at Patek Philippe. The company already has more than a hundred patents - a masterpiece. However, the company's long-term market success is hardly surprising when you consider 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 valued standards guarantees success.

Strong and independent

Patek Philippe is an independent company. The manufactory includes 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 for every model - none of these masterpieces is ever handed over. The impressive know-how is reflected in every Patek Philippe watch and accompanies it for 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 as best as possible. To do this, the company relies on internal growth, for example by investing in the future or in production resources.

In this way, the fate of the company remains in the company's own hands and guarantees unlimited sovereignty at all levels. The models are developed and manufactured according to the company's own criteria, which are laid down in the guidelines of the Patek Philippe seal. Independence is at the heart of the company and a sign of stability, determination and reliability. Patek Philippe also runs a number of real estate projects, which Philippe Stern in particular has taken on. He himself drove the construction of the Patek Philippe Museum. 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 from the company's own pocket. His son Thierry also sees it as a personal concern to secure the company's technical leadership position and to constantly 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, containing 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 each individual step of the manufacturing process make each Patek Philippe watch a true masterpiece. In addition, many months are taken to create each timepiece. In each precious piece you will find centuries of experience and many hours of work. That is what makes a Patek Philippe so noble. Because of this, the value stagnates despite the passage of time or even increases. Many watches from the Geneva manufacturer are now cult and fetch record prices at auctions. Collectors therefore consider them a profitable investment with high emotional value. But most of the time the watches are seen as precious family heirlooms that tell stories of emotion and passion. This makes a Patek Philippe much more than just a timepiece - it is 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. For such happy occasions, a Patek Philippe watch is the perfect gift - it shows pure emotion and will remind the recipient forever of this important moment in their life.

Noble and timeless

The look of Patek Philippe timepieces is more varied than it may seem at first glance. However, the Swiss designs are not trend-oriented, but rather a reflection of timeless aesthetics, such as the Nautilus , Calatrava or Aquanaut models. The elegant, understated style is beautiful and appropriate at any time - fleeting trends are not an issue for the watchmakers. This is why Patek Philippe's jewelry has been so popular for some time - it is always attractive and wearable. The personality and restraint paired with finesse and individuality result in an incomparable mixture, which has already served as inspiration for the design of many other classics.

The latest trick is for the woman

The traditional company recently brought out a new watch for women. This is an appealing mix of traditional and modern - in keeping with the company's values. The presentation of the new timepiece was out of line this time with one important detail: the new presentation took place in Milan instead of Basel. However, this change was made quite deliberately and has nothing to do with Basel losing its importance as the watch capital: the new location is intended to herald a change. 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 presentation. The watch is made for the progressive, gallant woman of today. Is it a coincidence that Patek Philippe is coming out with this watch in exactly the year in which the anniversary of the 1968 movement and the right to vote for women are being celebrated? Who knows. However, the fact is that female emancipation is once again the focus and the new edition of the Twenty-4 after almost 20 years, with its aesthetic pragmatism, is the perfect companion for the independent, determined woman.

The special timepiece for women was perfected for two years. There were over ten prototypes before the piece of jewelry was finally mass-produced. After all, the aim was to do justice to the previous Twenty-4 series and not disappoint fans. The result should preserve the tradition of the model, but at the same time be innovative. But the new edition is certainly impressive, because 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 model is the caliber 324 SC, 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 masterpiece that guarantees the highest precision and reliability. There is a stainless steel version and a rose gold version, as well as various dial colors. Each watch comes with a fine diamond bezel. A beautiful, elegant masterpiece that women - true to its name - can wear all day long. The new Twenty-4 from Patek Philippe is not a simple piece of jewellery or a toy, it is the finest watchmaking art and those who choose it appreciate that.

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Authors | Stefan Sebök

Authors | Stefan Sebök

During my school days, I worked in the warehouse of an auction house and that was when I first came into contact with exclusive, mechanical watches. The fascination was born from that moment on and has not left me to this day.
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