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In 1839 Antoine Norbert de Patek and Francois Czapek founded Patek, Czapek & Cie. In 1844 Mr. Patek met the French watchmaker , Mr. Adrien Philippe while in Paris where the latter presented his unique stem winding and setting system.
In 1851 the company was renamed Patek Philippe & Cie. That same year Patek & Cie supplied timepieces to Queen Victoria and her consort. The list of Patek Philippe notable past clientele includes Popes, Kings, Queens, Princes and many historical figures.
Over time Patek Philippe has set the standard for complicated timepieces. Creating masterpiece movements such as the minute repeater, perpetual calendar, Split seconds chronograph and the Annual Calendar.
Today, watch enthusiasts can visit the Patek Philippe museum in Geneva,
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Switzerland where they will view one of the most complete collections of horological history ever assembled.
In 1933 Patek Philippe produced an ultra complicated (24 function) pocket watch for Mr. Henry Graves Jr. After his death the timepiece was sold at auction by Sotheby's for USD $11,000,000 which at the time was the most expensive timepiece ever sold. On April 10, 2003 the Patek Philippe Ref. 5002P Sky Moon Tourbillion again set a new world record as the most expensive modern timepiece ever sold HK $11.75 million.
Today the company is owned and run by Mr. Philippe Stern and his son Mr. Thierry Stern. Under their direction, Patek Philippe has become an iconic brand associated with the finest quality and craftmanship. The company holds more than70 patents to its credit. |
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A new hallmark has been established to measure the quality and craftsmanship of each Patek Philippe timepiece. It is called the Patek Philippe Seal and will replace the Geneva Seal found on all of it's timepieces. To qualify for the Patek Philippe Seal, each mechanical movement must meet strict requirements with a degree of finishing that is an art form. Compliance with this standard results in masterpieces that are admired by connoisseurs of the fine Art of watch making. The Patek Philippe Seal will apply to the fully cased watch. This will include the case, dial, hands, pushers, buttons, bracelets, straps, buckles and clasps. |
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