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19th Century: Innovate and Create
The 19th century was the age of industrialisation and progress and for Patek Philippe, which was founded in 1844, it was certainly a century marked by innovation and creation. In the same year Patek Philippe produced its first watch with keyless winding and hands setting and by 1844 the company had made its first pocket watch with minute repeater. Their horological advances were admired by Queen Victoria when they exhibited the world’s first keyless watches at the Great Exhibition in London’s Crystal Palace in 1851; this Patek Philippe pink gold openface perpetual calendar keyless pocket watch (pictured) is a fine example of this impressive technological innovation. This was just one of many firsts as Patek Philippe went on to create the first Swiss wristwatch for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary in 1868.

20th Century: Patent Progress
The company’s constant ideas and innovations needed protecting and Patek Philippe now has more than 70 patents to its name. From mechanisms to styles, the ideas and realizations continued throughout the century. The Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 3923 made in 1986, was first designed in 1932 and is much admired for its timeless elegance. This particular example is a limited edition released to the Japanese market to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Patek Philippe in 1989. The perpetual calendar mechanism in the Patek Philippe ref. 5050R 3rd series is the first perpetual calendar wristwatch with a retrograde date hand. Reference 1593 (pictured) is one of Patek Philippe’s best designs ever given to a rectangular wristwatch and the very attractive diamond-set dial represents a most elegant and rare version of this reference. Equally stunning is the Reference 3997 which combines technical ingenuity with the adamantine beauty of diamonds.

21st Century: Looking Back to Look Forward
The 21st century has seen the company take giant leaps in terms of technological advances, whilst also celebrating the early designs and features that define the brand. The Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3711/1G (pictured), made in 2006, crafted entirely in 18k white gold, is inspired by the first model of the Nautilus sports watch collection launched exactly 30 years ago. The model is different but familiar, featuring a new three-part case and with sweep centre seconds.