The History of Patek Philippe
As one of the world's leading independent watchmakers, Patek Philippe has long been recognised for its commitment to tradition, innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. These qualities have made it a natural partner for Boodles, which is proud to have represented the brand for over three decades as an authorised retailer.
Watchmaking visionaries
Polish-born watchmaker Antoine Norbert de Patek moved to Geneva in the 1830s and founded Patek, Czapek & Co alongside Franciszek Czapek, with strong initial success. ‘Pocket watch No. 87’, stamped “Patek, Czapek & Cie”, today resides in the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva and remains a significant part of watchmaking history.
Meanwhile, French horologist Jean Adrien Philippe had begun making watch movements which resulted in his invention of the keyless mechanism in 1842, the first of many notable patents throughout his long career. It was this achievement which began to get him noticed by the industry.
A meeting that changed watchmaking
The two gentlemen met at the Industrial Exposition in Paris in 1844, where de Patek discovered Philippe’s innovative keyless winding system. Thoroughly impressed, de Patek invited Philippe to Geneva via a letter, which still survives today:
“If you arrive by night, go to the Hotel du Lac and say to the landlady that I have recommended you... Adrien, take care of your health, come quickly and I will shake your hand.”
- Letter from Patek to Philippe after inviting him to Geneva, 1845
1
Since 1839
The year 1839 marked the establishment of Patek, Czapek & Cie in Geneva. The first workshop was located at 29 Quai des Bergues, on the right bank of the Rhône river. After Jean Adrien Philippe succeeded Czapek, the company relocated to number 15 on Quai des Bergues and was renamed Patek, Philippe & Cie.
2
1853
In 1853, Patek Philippe, needing larger premises as the firm grew, moved into two stories of a building on 41 Rue du Rhône. In 1996, what is now known as the Geneva Salon became a space solely dedicated to customers. Today, it showcases the complete collection and reflects Patek Philippe’s commitment to watchmaking excellence and heritage.
3
1964
In 1964, on the Manufacture's 125th anniversary, a new building was inaugurated on 2 Rue des Pêcheries, located on the banks of the Rhône river. Patek Philippe took up the top four floors, representing 550 square metres of the solidly constructed six-storey building, which was as modern as the old factory was historic.
4
1975
In 1975, Patek Philippe acquired an industrial building at 7 Rue des Vieux Grenadiers to install the Ateliers Réunis – a production unit for cases and bracelets where traditional Genevan goldsmithing techniques were preserved. After production was regrouped to Plan-les Ouates, the building was renovated and extended between 1999 and 2001. Since then, it has housed the world-renowned Patek Philippe Museum.
5
1996
In 1996, Patek Philippe centralised its manufacture and headquarters in Plan-les Ouates, Geneva. This move towards an even greater integration of operations marked the beginning of a new era. A new workshop dedicated to cases and bracelets was opened in nearby Perly in 2003, followed by a new facility in Plan les Ouates to produce movement components in 2010.
1839
1853
1964
1975
1996
A lifelong partnership
Philippe arrived in Geneva to meet de Patek, where together they would change the course of watchmaking history. They founded Patek, Philippe & Cie, which has shaped nearly two centuries of innovation, with over 100 patents filed since its founding. The combination of de Patek’s entrepreneurial vision and Philippe’s expertise in technical innovation established the foundations of the company.
Balancing watchmaking tradition with modern invention is something that Patek Philippe continues to pursue, supported by the brand’s continued independence.
The Stern Family era
In 1932, during the Great Depression, brothers and Swiss dial-makers Charles and Jean Stern acquired Patek Philippe, having previously built a relationship with the company through their family business, Stern Frères, which was a supplier to Patek at the time.
The Sterns appointed Jean Pfister to lead the company and brought movement production in-house, strengthening Patek Philippe's position as a true manufacture. Over the decades that followed, successive generations of the Stern family continued to develop the company while preserving its independence, craftsmanship and long term vision.
The Stern family remains custodian of Patek Philippe today, having guided the company through four generations of ownership. Philippe Stern's establishment of the Patek Philippe Museum in 2001 further demonstrated the family's commitment to preserving the history and artistry of watchmaking. In an industry dominated by large groups, Patek Philippe remains immensely proud of its independent status, protected by four generations of Stern ownership.
Like Patek Philippe, Boodles remains family-owned and independent, with a shared commitment to craftsmanship, heritage and long term relationships.
The Stern family remains custodian of Patek Philippe today, having guided the company through four generations of ownership. Philippe Stern's establishment of the Patek Philippe Museum in 2001 further demonstrated the family's commitment to preserving the history and artistry of watchmaking. In an industry dominated by large groups, Patek Philippe remains immensely proud of its independent status, protected by four generations of Stern ownership.
Patek Philippe today
As one of the few remaining independent, family-owned watchmakers in Geneva, Patek Philippe continues to combine traditional craftsmanship with innovation, led by the Stern family. A partnership that began in the early 1990s, Boodles and Patek Philippe share the same values and a similar history of independence and family ownership.
Boodles is proud to have represented the brand for over three decades, serving generations of collectors and helping them discover its remarkable timepieces.
Patek Philippe today
As one of the few remaining independent, family-owned watchmakers in Geneva, Patek Philippe continues to combine traditional craftsmanship with innovation, led by the Stern family. A partnership that began in the early 1990s, Boodles and Patek Philippe share the same values and a similar history of independence and family ownership.
Boodles is proud to have represented the brand for over three decades, serving generations of collectors and helping them discover its remarkable timepieces.
The Patek Philippe Museum
In Memory of Mr Philippe Stern 1938 - 2026
Mr Philippe Stern, Honorary President of Patek Philippe
All images are courtesy of Patek Philippe