The maison

Patek Philippe

Founded
1839
Home
Geneva
Signature
Calatrava, Nautilus, Perpetual Calendars
In collection
3 watches

Patek Philippe has made watches in Geneva since 1839 and remains family-owned, which is rare at this level. Its reputation rests on finishing and on complications, the perpetual calendar above all.

The pre-owned range runs from the restrained Calatrava to the Nautilus, the brand's steel sports watch, with perpetual calendars as the house speciality. Condition and originality carry unusual weight here: an unpolished case and a correct, untouched dial separate a good example from an ordinary one. We grade and photograph with that in mind.

Common questions

How often should a Patek Philippe be serviced?

Treat intervals as guidance, not a clock: a watch keeping time and winding smoothly is not urgent, while one drifting or losing power reserve should see a bench sooner. Complicated pieces, perpetual calendars especially, deserve extra caution, since setting them incorrectly can cause damage. Our listings state each watch's running behaviour, and our watchmakers can advise on a specific reference.

How do you authenticate a pre-owned Patek Philippe?

By the watch, not the paperwork. Our watchmakers open and inspect every piece — movement finishing, hallmarks, dial printing, case — before it is listed, and check the details against any accompanying documents. For older pieces, Patek Philippe's own Extract from the Archives can supplement the file. The full process is described on our authentication page.

What matters most when buying a pre-owned Patek Philippe?

Originality. An unpolished or lightly polished case, correct hands, and an untouched dial matter more here than with almost any other brand — and more than box and papers do. Read our condition notes for exactly what has been done to the watch. When two examples are priced apart, condition and originality usually explain the gap.

3 products