A Brief History of Patek Philippe Watches

While Patek Philippe is now widely considered to be the most prestigious and well-respected name within the world of luxury timepieces, this watchmaking giant began its journey on a much smaller scale. In 1839, it was originally founded as Patek, Czapek & Cie., an independent company that crafted pocket watches for high society and members of royalty. Upon meeting Philippe in 1844, the idea of Patek Philippe was born. With Philippe’s award-winning keyless winding and hand-setting system and Patek’s experience in luxury watchmaking, they officially combined forces in 1845.

While they originally began working together in 1845, it wasn’t until 1851 that they officially named their independent watchmaking company, “Patek, Philippe and Cie.” This year also marked their advancement into the international watchmaking market, as they showcased their latest models at the Great Exhibit in London and provided Queen Victoria with a custom pendant watch. In addition, Patek journeyed to the United States in 1851, making a meaningful business connection with Charles Lewis Tiffany, thus beginning their long-standing relationship with Tiffany & Co .

Upon the passing of Patek in 1877, Philippe brought his son into the family business. His son worked with renowned businessman Henry Graves to produce a first-of-its-kind supercomplication watch, which eventually became the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication.

Following the Great Depression, Patek Philippe was purchased by the Stern brothers, two members of a family that owned the Stern Dial company, a manufacturer that supplied dials to Patek Philippe. Following this acquisition in 1932, many more iconic timepieces were introduced to the Patek Philippe collection, expanding its reach within the watchmaking market.

The Golden Ellipse collection was introduced in 1968, soon followed by the iconic Patek Philippe Nautilus watch collection in 1976. The breathtaking Patek Philippe Gondolo watch collection was brought to fruition in 1993 followed by the Aquanaut collection in 1997 and the Twenty~4 Collection in 1999.

As Patek Philippe has grown and expanded its amazing collections throughout its almost 200 years, its reach and prestige within the industry has grown along with it. It’s an exciting concept to consider what this innovative, industry-changing brand will come out with next.

The History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus Watch

Easily one of the most iconic and identifiable timepieces within the Patek Philippe annex, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Watch was first introduced to the market in 1976. This distinctive timepiece was brought into the world as one of the first steel sportswear watches at a higher price point than its competitors and the tagline, “One of the world’s costliest watches is made of steel.”

Drawing its name from the submarine of the Jules Verne novel, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the Nautilus watch offers a unique shape and innovative features to those who wear it. Rather than a traditionally round or square bezel, this timepiece features a unique oval shaped bezel that is inspired by the appearance of portholes. And much like a porthole, the sides serve to attach the bezel to the case, allowing it to only open from one side like the submarine portholes that inspired it.

While it has a truly unique appearance, the Patek Philippe Nautilus watch also offered innovations that were astounding for the time. In fact, this piece boasted water resistance up to 120 meters, which was exceptionally high at the time.

Popular Patek Philippe Nautilus Models

In addition to its innovative features, there are two distinct straps that go along with this model. The strap of the original Patek Philippe Nautilus model, Ref. 3700-01A, was produced between 1976 and 1982 with a wider and straight design. The follow-up strap, Ref.3700-11A, was produced between 1982 and 19990 with a narrow, tapered design. Some of the most popular designs of the Ref. 3700 model include: Ref. 3700-1AJ, 3700-11AJ, 3700-1J, 3700-1G, 3700-11G and 3700-1P.

Following the success of the initial Ref. 3700 model, Patek Philippe introduced many subsequent models for a grand total of 30 different versions in the full collection. The follow-up to this model was the Ref. 3800 model, often known as the ‘Medium-Sized Nautilus,’ a slimmer design that was more wearable and less avant-garde than its predecessor. In addition, this model also boasts a second hand with an innovative in-house 335 C calibre.

The third iteration of the Patek Philippe Nautilus watch was the coveted 50th anniversary edition launched in 2006, the Ref. 5711. This new addition to the annex introduced a new case that was split into three parts rather than two parts: the central piece, the base and the bezel. Additionally, a brand new calibre was introduced, the 26-330 SC in 2019, adding further innovation to this timeless piece. Some of the most popular models include: the Ref. 5711/1A-010 and the 5711/1A-11.

Future industry-changing models of the Nautilus watch include the 2005 additions of the Ref. 3712 and 5712 Nautilus Moon Phase watches, the 2006 Ref. 5980 Chronograph Bi-Color, the 2014 edition of the Ref. 5990 Nautilus ‘Travel Time’ Chronograph watch, the 2010 Ref. 5726 Annual Calendar Nautilus Watch and the 2018 Ref. 5740 Perpetual Calendar Nautilus watch.

 

Buy Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Nautilus Watches

Nautilus stands as the most sought-after and collectible model among all luxury watches. The demand for pre-owned Patek Philippe Nautilus watches is exceedingly high, resulting in sky-high prices and scarcity in the secondary market.

At Gray & Sons Jewelers, we carry a fantastic selection of certified pre-owned Patek Philippe watches that are ideal for adding to any collection. A Patek Philippe watch will make a statement in any situation, with timeless design elements and an unmatched air of sophistication. Whether you’re searching for a coveted used Patek Philippe watch for yourself or in the market for something truly amazing for someone special, you’ll find it here at Gray & Sons Jewelers.

Every used Patek Philippe watch that comes through our doors is carefully inspected, serviced and polished by our certified in-house Swiss-trained watchmakers. Our expert staff carefully works to restore and maintain each element of the watch to keep it looking flawless and running smoothly. All pre-owned Patek Philippe watches and new Patek Philippe watches come with our guaranteed 24-month warranty that includes our “Like New for Life” policy, a staple that represents our exemplary customer service following each and every purchase. If you have any questions regarding this policy, our services, or any of the selections you see in our inventory, please contact us. A representative will gladly assist you in any way to ensure a satisfying shopping experience.

 

Find Your Luxury Patek Philippe Nautilus Watch at Gray & Sons

A used Patek Philippe watch is a great lifelong investment piece, but only if you are buying from a reputable, trustworthy source. Gray & Sons first began as a brick-and-mortar shop in 1980, greatly expanding and building its reputation in both the local industry and larger industry since its founding. Gray & Sons has since been awarded an A+ with the Better Business Board, achieved good standing with the International Watch & Jewelry Guild, and become a world leader in used certified pre-owned luxury watches. If you’re looking for a trustworthy, reputable, and professional source for your pre owned watches and jewelry, look no further than Gray & Sons.