All models are thoroughly inspected by our master watch specialists and come with a Certificate of Authenticity, a 14-day Easy Return Policy, and a 12-month Comprehensive Guarantee. We also offer free next-day UK delivery via RoyalMail and free worldwide delivery via FedEx.

Alternatively, call us on 0207 242 9160 to book an appointment at our store, and we’ll be delighted to assist you!

Story Of Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe is one of the oldest Swiss watch brands whose story dates back to 1839 when Antoine Patek joined hands with Czapek & Cie. However, the collaboration did not last long. Soon Patek partnered with Adrien Philippe in 1844 to introduce some of the biggest innovations in horology. In 1851, the brand was officially named Patek, Philippe & Cie. It was this year when for the first time, Patek showcased their pocket watches in London.

Philippe was keener on the technical aspect of watchmaking and, in 1863, produced the first pocket watch featuring a tourbillon to provide accurate time. He also created the slipping spring mainspring, which helps to avoid breakage of the mainspring. After Antoine Patek passed away in 1877, Philippe brought his son Emile Joseph to the family business before passing away in 1894.

Joseph worked hard to maintain the brand’s legacy and teamed with Henry Graves Jr. (a wealthy American banker & a Patek Philippe fan). Graves commissioned a super complicated pocket watch featuring 24 functions, two dials and 920 parts which took almost 8 years to design, develop, and deliver.

Grave’s commission helped Patek Philippe survive the crisis after the WW1. However, in 1932, the Stern Brothers purchased the brand and combined their dial manufacturing expertise with Patek’s prestige. Today, Thierry Stern is the president of Patek Philippe. The luxury watch market during the 1960s and 1970s was undergoing the Quartz crisis, and Patek immediately needed a watch that could withstand the blow.

The concept of one man, Gerald Genta, changed Patek’s fate as he created one of the greatest watch designs of all time. The ‘Nautilus’ was born in 1976. The luxury steel sports watch had an octagonal face with a bezel that resembled a porthole of a submarine or ship. So far, Patek Philippe had only created dress timepieces, and the Nautilus was the first proper sports watch with a water resistance of up to 120 meters. Gerald Genta drew his inspiration from 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, the novel.

First Patek Philippe watch:

Back in 1868, Patek Philippe started producing its first wristwatch. It had an ornate design shaped like a baguette and housed a key-wound movement with Calibre 27368. The watch was made of solid yellow gold, had eight jewels, and a cylinder escapement. A hinged cover decorated with large diamonds sheltered the dial, and more diamonds bordered the sides of the dial.

Patek Philippe delivered the watch to Hungary’s Countess Koscewicz in 1873 and now is safely kept in the company’s museum.

Birth of The Iconic ‘Nautilus’

Patek Philippe released the first Nautilus in 1976 after Audemars Piguet dropped the first-ever luxury sports watch model in steel. Patek Philippe followed AP’s footsteps to design their iconic Nautilus timepiece and asked famous watch designer Gerald Genta to design it. Genta came up with the timeless Nautilus design featuring an octagonal case shape with rounded edges, a steel bezel with exposed screws and a blue dial with horizontal grooves.

The elegant timepiece is most popular for its innovative and sleek design that Genta designed by drawing inspiration from Jules Verne’s novel 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. The portholes on the Submarine inspired the oval shape and the bezel screws. While the demand for the watch was slow initially, it quickly gained momentum when Patek introduced a ladies’ Nautilus in 1980 with Ref. 3800 measuring 37mm.

First Nautilus watch

The first Nautilus came with Ref. 3700 and ran by self-winding movement Calibre 28-255. Many refer to it as the ‘Jumbo’. The 42mm steel watch strikes the perfect balance between elegance and functionality and features a stainless steel case resembling the porthole of ships. The case has distinctive ears on either side of the door hinges.

The sunburst blue dial has signature horizontal stripes matching the steel bracelet and features a date window at 3 o’clock. The Nautilus 3700 came in various precious metals, including yellow gold, white gold, a two-tone combination of gold and steel, stainless steel, and platinum. Ref. 3700 was in production for 14 years until discontinued in 1990.

Appealing varieties of Patek Philippe watches:

Material: Stainless steel, rose gold, yellow gold, white gold or platinum

Size: 33mm, 35mm, 37.5mm, 39mm, 40mm,42mm, 43mm, 44mm, 47mm

Dial: Blue, black, white, with or without diamonds, green, grey, brown, silver, etc.

Bezel: steel, rose gold, with or without diamonds, yellow gold, etc.

Bracelet: steel, rubber strap, etc.

5 Iconic Patek Philippe collections

The wild spirit of innovation which reins the brand’s watchmaking ideology is instrumental for its longevity in the watch world. Over the years, the brand has introduced several easily recognisable watches from various collections. Here we’ve listed the 5 most significant Patek Philippe collections.

1. The Twenty~4 Collection

Patek Philippe produced the Twenty~4 collection in 1999, dedicated to young, modern, active women. The watches embrace feminine elegance and complement every moment of a woman’s life. Whether for a fashionable business meeting or casual wear, the Twenty~4 collection of dress watches is suitable for all. You can avail of them in various dial options, including with or without diamonds and in different shapes.

2. The Calatrava Collection

The renowned Calatrava is considered one of the finest symbols of Patek Philippe’s watchmaking elegance. Collectors of all generations love the Calatrava for its delicate and pure lines and the easily distinguishable round shape. The collection features assorted timepieces for both men and women and is sure to be treasured for many years. Supremely stylish, the watches pin perfection and elegance.

3. The Nautilus Collection

Whether it is the striking octagonal shape or the ingenious porthole design, the Nautilus is Patek Philippe’s flagship collection and also the most popular amongst enthusiasts. Since 1976, the watches have epitomised the legendary elegance of sports watches and, even after forty years, continue to reign the hearts with their splendid charisma. The collection hosts a wide array of watches made in various metals and materials to suit every lifestyle with unmatched class.

4. The Aquanaut Collection

Three words that best describe Patek’s Aquanaut collection are chic, sporty, and contemporary. During its debut in 1997, the Aquanaut collection created ripples inthe industry with its unexpected design. Today, it continues to carry a similar charm with its round, octagonal shape. Available in various exciting dial colours like brown, blue, black, and green and fitted to a tropical strap, the Aquanaut Patek Philippe watches stand out with any outfit.

5. The Complication Collection

One collection that upholds Patek’s supremacy in crafting the most complicated timepieces in the world is the Complications collection. A watch complication means the timepiece goes beyond telling the time and showing the date. Patek incorporates complications like dual time zones, Annual calendars, and World Time Displays that help the wearer in everyday situations. The Maison does it perfectly and with finesse in all the Complications watch series, where each timepiece stands out, showcasing Patek’s pinnacle in watchmaking.

Most popular Patek Philippe watches

Patek Philippe has created several distinct timepieces with recognisable qualities that set them apart. For some, the watches with a simple and elegant design steal the show; for others, it is the incredible complications like perpetual calendars, split-second chronographs, and other high-end functionalities. However, if you’re looking to purchase, here are the top Patek Philippe models you must consider.

Ref. 5711R: This Patek Philippe Nautilus in rose gold with a brown dial featuring line indices and an amazing teak concept fitted to a brown leather strap will easily appeal to your eyes and others in the room.

Ref. 3919: The Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 3919 looks stunning with a 33mm yellow gold case featuring a contrasting white dial with Roman numerals and a crocodile leather strap. The watch is a statement in itself.

Ref. 5205G-001: Showcasing Patek’s best complication in a 40mm white gold case, the watch hosts an Annual calendar along with moon phase complications and a 24-hour indicator. The amazing combination of white gold with a silver-coloured dial and a crocodile leather strap will cater to your taste.

Ref. 4910/10A: A stunning Patek Philippe timepiece beautifully adorned with sparkling diamonds on a 25mm steel case is the Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/10A. The watch looks supremely elegant with a black dial featuring Roman indices and diamonds.

Buy, Sell, Part-Exchange Patek Philippe Watches

At The Luxury Hut, we pride ourselves on our premium collection of pre-owned luxury watches and our ability to provide the best customer service to our valued clients. We have a wide array of vintage, and rare men’s and women’s pre-owned Patek Philippe watches that we’re sure will interest you. If you’re ready to buy yours, browse our inventory and buy the Patek Philippe of your dreams. Also, we offer 0%APR finance over six months, so you can buy at your own pace without stress.

Alternatively, book an appointment at our Hatton Garden store, where we can always help you find the right timepiece. However, if you want to sell your second-hand Patek Philippe watch, we can buy it from you at the best market price. We also offer part-exchange services wherein you can smoothly trade your watch for any timepiece in our collection. The process is easy, quick and secure.

And, if you just need an appraisal, allow our professionals to offer the most accurate valuation for your luxury watch. Just fill in our online form, and we will get back to you with a free and precise quote shortly.