In this modern world, a smartwatch is perceived as a practical option, but there's a certain sophistication that comes with traditional watches—a very if-you-know-you-know vibe, especially when it comes to luxury brands like Patek Philippe. Most people would find it baffling to spend millions on a wristwatch, but these classic timepieces carry a sense of heritage and craftsmanship that many, including celebrities and tastemakers, find irresistible. Find out why below.
What is Patek Philippe?
In 1839, Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek founded Patek, Czapek & Cie. It wouldn’t be until five years later, in 1844, that Patek would meet Adrien Philippe. Philippe had just won a bronze medal for his innovative keyless winding and hand-setting system at the Paris Industrial Exposition that same year. Recognizing Philippe's genius, Patek decided to collaborate with him, leading to the establishment of Patek Philippe in 1851. The two would begin to forge their watchmaking legacy, achieving milestone after milestone, innovation after innovation, and filing over 100 patents for various watch components, which included dials, cases, and clasps. It’s no wonder they’re known as one of the most prestigious and innovative watchmakers in the world.
Patek Philippe’s Most Iconic Watch Collections
Nautilus
The Nautilus was introduced in 1976 and designed by Gerald Genta, a famous Swiss watchmaker who at the time had already created other iconics for different manufacturers such as Omega’s Constellation line and Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak. Taking inspiration from ship portholes and named after Captain Nemo’s submarine from Jules Verne's novel, the Nautilus features a unique octagonal bezel with rounded edges and ear-like hinges, ensuring water-resistance through a patented monobloc case and four lateral screws.
Ladies' Nautilus Blue Dial Stainless Steel 7118/1A-001, P1,957,000, PATEK PHILIPPE, patek.com
Aquanaut
Launched in 1997, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut targets a younger audience, influenced by the 'Dot Com Boom' era. As a response to the luxury market's shift towards younger collectors, it was Patek Philippe's first new collection since the Nautilus in the '70s. While the Aquanaut draws inspiration from the Nautilus, it's not designed by Gerald Genta and features a slightly larger size in current models. With a water resistance of 120m and a sporty rubber 'Tropical' strap made of a new composite material ultra-resistant to wear, salt water and UV radiation, the Aquanaut distinguishes itself from the more formal Nautilus.
Aquanaut Ref. 5158G-010 White Gold, P3,003,000, PATEK PHILIPPE, patek.com
Calatrava
The Calatrava was introduced right on time, in 1932, during a time when wristwatches were gaining popularity both as a fashion piece and as a precise timekeeper. Designed by David Penney, a Bauhaus enthusiast, the Calatrava emphasized simplicity, elegance, and functionality. It was the very essence of a round wristwatch. It derived its name from the Order of Calatrava, a prominent Christian knighthood order that had significant involvement in the crusades. The first model, Reference 96, featured a 31mm gold case with an ivory dial, applied gold markers, and a small seconds dial at 6:00. With integrated lugs for added comfort, it initially used a Jaeger-LeCoultre movement before Patek Philippe developed its own in-house caliber in 1934. These timepieces blend technology, aesthetics, and craftsmanship, embodying the timeless "form follows function" principle of Bauhaus design.
Calatrava Ultra-Thin Automatic Ladies' watch 7200R-001,P1,957,000, PATEK PHILIPPE, patek.com
Complications
Complications are mechanical functions in watches that do more than just timekeeping. This line of models by Patek Philippe typically features two or three complications that vary from minimalist dials to intricately adorned ones.
Complications Ref. 5212A-001 Stainless Steel, P2,351,000, PATEK PHILIPPE, patek.com
Grand Complications
If the Complications line houses two or three complications, a Grand Complication has several complications within one watch. Typically housing three or more intricate mechanical functions, excluding the date mechanism. These high-end timepieces combine features like perpetual calendars for leap year tracking, moon phase indicators, precise chronographs, and minute repeaters that audibly chime the time. Tourbillons, which counteract gravity for accuracy, are also common.
Grand Complications Ref. 5304/301R-001 Rose Gold, Price Available Upon Request, PATEK PHILIPPE, patek.com
Local Celebrities Wearing Patek Philippe Watches
Jessy Mendiola
Jessy Mendiola once shared in a vlog her seven top fave luxury items. Her list included an Hermès Kelly, a Chanel Flap Bag, a pair of Manolo Blahnik flats, and a Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118/1A for ladies. She even shared that she hopes to pass this watch down to her children someday.
Rocio Zobel
Among the people on this list, Rocio Zobel has got to be the youngest owner of a Patek Philippe watch. True to her tropical island girl vibe, her watch of choice was a 5167A Aquanaut. While we can't confirm how the heiress came to acquire such a piece, we wouldn't be too surprised if it was a heartfelt gift passed down to her from her parents.
Marian Rivera
Marian is quite the luxury watch collector, with pieces from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, and so on–but the most expensive has got to be her Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118/1200R, coming in at a whopping P3,978,000!
Jennylyn Mercado
During an episode of Preview’s Designer Faves, Jennylyn Mercado shared with us that one of her top designer items includes a P4-million luxury watch from Patek Philippe—and yes, it’s another Nautilus—a true icon of the brand. The actress shared that what convinced her to buy the watch is its versatility. It’s sophisticated but not flashy–in other words, quiet luxury.
Heart Evangelista
Heart has several luxury watches, and so far we’ve spotted two from Patek Philippe, one Nautilus and one Complications watch. Her Reference 5930 Complications watch features a unique and masterfully created World Time function that simultaneously displays the time in 24 time zones. It also includes an exclusive patented mechanism enabling the correction of all displays by pressing the 10 o’clock pusher. How cool is that!
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