Five Reasons True Watch Collectors Love Patek Philippe
The famous Patek Philippe saying is that; “you never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation”. To a certain extent the saying is true – Patek Philippe is a watch that is investment through and through, however, this is not the only reason why true watch collectors love Patek Philippe. Any watch collector worth their salt know that a Patek Philippe on the wrist means true craftsmanship, stunning heritage, impeccable design and untold elegance. Here are five reasons true watch collectors love Patek Philippe.
Investment Value
Not many watch brands can boast the same level of investment value as the prestigious Swiss watch manufacture. Patek Philippe on the secondary market from private dealers or from auctions command almost double that of what the price is of retail – and this is much down to the demand of Patek Philippe. One clear example of this is the recent Sotheby’s auction whereby several Patek Philippe watches in circulation and discontinued when above and beyond the estimated retail price.
You can also point to a more historical perspective. You could have bought a Calatrava for $300 back in the 1950s, and now they command a secondary market price of over $20,000. In the same way, you could have bought a Perpetual Calendar Ref 2499 back in the 1980s for less that $20,000, and now they command a secondary market price of over $400,000. Another example, you could have bought an original Nautilus timepiece in the 1970s for just over $3,000, and now (being one of the most popular models) command a price tag of over $50,000. There are countless examples to speak of, but i’m sure you get the picture. The question is – if you buy a Patek Philippe timepiece now, what will it be worth in the next 20 years?
Low Production Numbers
Much of the Patek Philippe mystery is down to the scarcity of timepieces made each year, and subsequent demand for each model. It is said that fewer than 1 million Patek Philippe watches have been made since 1839, and that tells you a lot about the quality of production and time spent on each individual watch. The Patek Philippe production is so detailed it is said that it takes nine months to make the most basic watches, and a whopping two years to produce some of the more complicated watches with multi-functional complications. In recent years, the demand for Patek Philippe have been so great that the watch manufacture have implemented a system whereby a watch collector has to fill out an application form to determine the level of collector you are.
Design
There is something majestic about the design and aesthetic looks of each individual Patek Philippe. Take for example the original Nautilus, designed by the legendary Gerald Genta (who also designed the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak), and the ingenious idea of creating the first elegant sports watch, with a full metal bracelet and angular bezel case. With Patek Philippe, every individual part is hand-finished by their watchmakers showing impeccable quality and dedication into every single part of each timepiece.
The elegant and understated nature of Patek Philippe ensure that every single detail of the timepiece is of breath-taking beauty. Take for example the dial for the 5711 stainless steel model. To the wearer you can see the intricate faceting of each hour marker, with a french style embossing and hand polished luminescent hands. These intricate details all add to create a sense that you are wearing a true horological work of art on your wrist.
Patek Philippe Archive Extract
Every Patek Philippe timepiece sold has been documented by the prestigious watch brand. Important details such as year of production and date of sale are held on a database in Geneva and available to collectors who wish to know more details about the watch they have purchased. This overall instills great confidence knowing that more information is present and readily available to collectors.
The Patek Philippe Sale
Buying a luxury watch is an enjoyable experience. That goes without saying. However, nothing compares to that of buying a Patek Philippe. It is the culmination of buying the very best, whilst becoming an elite member of the Patek Philippe ‘owners group’. The whole buying experience is an important factor to many collectors and taken into account when choosing a watch. The level of customer service employed by Patek Philippe is unbelievable and will no doubt leave a warm memory in the mind for years to come.
You also have mention the added extras you get when you buy a Patek Philippe. The box and paperwork are truly exquisite, and definitely a add extra value to the buying experience and the watch overall. The modern Patek Philippe box employs traditional case-making techniques that date back to 1800s and have been preserved by only a few contemporary watchmakers. That’s the true beauty of Patek Philippe.