This list of 8 luxury watches by Patek Philippe sums up the best of the brand’s 180-year heritage.
Are you looking for the best Patek Philippe watches? I’ve got you covered. From intricate complications like perpetual calendars to the iconic Nautilus, Patek Philippe watches are some of the most coveted.
This family-owned company is one of the few independent manufacturers left in the industry. Its very first pocket watches were born in 1839, and since then, the brand has hit milestone after milestone.
Having developed the crown, the manufacturer began specializing in high-end complications. In fact, some Patek Philippe timepieces are touted as some of the most intricate and complex in the entire world.
If you’d like to know more about the best Patek Philippe watches to collect, read this guide. I’ve scoured the market for the best collectibles to own right now and condensed them into this short list.
Table of Contents
About Patek Philippe watches
In the early 1900s, Patek Philippe became known for its work in producing a patented double chronograph.
By 1925, it had launched the perpetual calendar.
One of the brand’s most expensive timepieces was the Supercomplication, produced in 1993 with a total of 24 complications. These included a perpetual calendar, sunrise and sunset times, and a view of the starlight sky over New York. It sold for a staggering 24 million bucks back in 2014.
Some of Patek Philippe’s most popular designs include the classic Calatrava, the iconic Nautilus, and the Aquanaut dive watch. The brand also offers a Grand Complications series, home to moon phase displays, tourbillons, and minute repeaters.
The Calatrava and Nautilus, in particular, are great investment options.
The former has been part of the brand’s catalog for over 80 years and is characterized by its thin profile.
The Nautilus was designed by the legendary Gerald Genta in 1976 and drew immediate attention with its porthole-inspired design. Although the Nautilus has always been expensive, ever since the brand discontinued the design in 2021, prices have soared.
The Aquanaut watch takes inspiration from this famous sports watch and has been around since 1997. Fitted with a tropical strap, this dive watch is less angular in design and is yet another sought-after timepiece.
On the whole, Patek Philippe watches are some of the most desirable on the market. If you can add one to your collection, consider yourself a true watch enthusiast with great taste.
8 of the Best Patek Philippe Watches
Here are some of my favorite Patek Philippe watches to collect this year:
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5811/1G
I couldn’t begin this guide with anything other than a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch.
This model reinterprets the original icon with a sunburst gradient blue dial and an 18k white gold case measuring 41mm.
Closely echoing the 1976 Nautilus with a two-part case, it features an integrated bracelet and fold-over clasp.
Subtle technical refinements like a new lockable adjustment system make it perfect for modern-day use.
Inside is an in-house movement capable of 45 hours of power reserve, held within a 120-meter water-resistant case.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase 5712R
Combining the instantly recognizable Nautilus design with a moon phase complication is genius.
This model boasts the legendary porthole design, framing an embossed brown and black dial.
Upon this surface is a moon phase display incorporated into a date ring. Alongside it sits a small seconds subsidiary dial.
Towards the top of the dial at 10 o’clock is a power reserve indicator relating to the Calibre 240 PS IRM C LU. Here, the iconic sports watch shows its more technical side. It is finished with a stylish brown alligator band.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G
Patek Philippe used the “Jumbo” name to refer to its beefed-up Nautilus watch. The name caught on with the Aquanaut range.
With its unmistakable globe-embossed pattern on the dial, this Aquanaut watch is sure to attract attention.
The 42.2mm self-winding model is crafted from 18k white gold, embodying a modern sporty-chic presence. Its khaki green dial color, however, is the star of the show.
Evoking a sense of adventure, this Aquanaut is perhaps one of the boldest designs from the entire series so far.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time 5164R-001
This watch right here is one of the most sought-after timepieces in the world.
It embodies all the favorite characteristics of the Aquanaut, housed in an 18k rose gold case.
This highly functional watch is great for the frequent traveler. If that sounds like you, you’re sure to enjoy its dual time zone feature on a chocolate brown dial.
Designed for convenience, two buttons on the left of the case move the local hand forward or backward easily.
With a dark brown polymer band to match the embossed dial, this Aquanaut constitutes the ultimate travel companion.
Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time 5524R
The Calatrava Travel Time watch by Patek Philippe has long been a topic of discussion amongst fans of the brand. Some label it too extreme, and others consider it entirely innovative. Either way, with this travel tool strapped to your wrist, you’ll always have something to talk about.
It features a warm brown dial with exquisite rose gold elements. Similar in design to the popular 5524 model, it features large Arabic numerals joined by sword-shaped hands.
With home and local time clearly visible, there is only one other feature to focus on when plane hopping. The date ring, guided by a tapering hand, beautifully balances the dial at 6 o’clock.
Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon 6002R-001
As one of the brand’s more technically challenging timepieces, the Sky Moon Tourbillon perpetuates exquisite craftsmanship.
Belonging to the Grand Complications series, it features an extraordinary double-face dial. Grand Feu champlevé and cloisonné brown enamel surfaces pair well with the 18k rose gold elements.
The effect of the volutes and arabesques detailing across a 44mm rose gold case, crown, and clasp is simply breathtaking.
Without a doubt, this is a timepiece of the highest caliber for devoted Patek Philippe connoisseurs. A true work of art!
Patek Philippe Grand Complications 5373P
If you’re left-handed and you like sporty designs, this Patek Philippe chronograph may take your fancy.
Its case, crafted from platinum, is endowed with a state-of-the-art manual winding caliber. It sits inside a 38.3mm case, constituting a compact size.
Its sporty and contemporary style is echoed through pops of red against a charcoal chronograph display.
Perfect for measuring elapsed time, this is an exclusive timepiece made in small numbers.
Designed for a niche community of watch-wearers, the model is yet another great value proposition.
Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227R
In its purest form, the Calatrava is a symbol of enduring style. If you like simple and straightforward, this Patek Philippe watch is for you.
Its 39mm 18k rose gold case frames a delicate ivory dial with simple hour markers and hands.
The three-hander model pays homage to the brand’s undiluted style with this compact size.
The case also features an invisibly hinged dust cover and a traditional shiny alligator leather strap in brown.
With its date window at 3 o’clock, you can easily track the passing days of the month — a supremely elegant and charming design for Patek Philippe purists.
FAQS
Here are answers to common questions about this popular brand:
Which Patek Philippe Is Most Popular?
By far, the Nautilus 5711 is the most popular Patek Philippe watch. The model comes in various case materials and dial colors. Above all, however, it is recognized for its porthole-inspired case, embossed dial with luminescent markers, and an integrated bracelet.
Which Patek Philippe Is a Good Investment?
The best Patek Philippe watch for investment is the Nautilus 5711/1A, closely followed by the Aquanaut 5167/1A-001. Both models are renowned for holding their value well and their ability to appreciate over time.
How Much Is the Cheapest Patek Philippe?
The most affordable Patek Philippe watch is the Aquanaut. The model reference 5167A is considered an entry-level watch, with a starting retail price of around $18,000.
Which Is the Most Expensive: Patek or Rolex?
Generally speaking, Patek Philippe watches are more expensive than Rolex watches. This is mainly due to the intricate craftsmanship behind a Patek Philippe watch and its many complications.
The Takeaway: Expensive but Beautiful
Patek Philippe watches are some of the most expensive and sought-after timepieces in the world. They’re also some of the most beautiful.
Best Patek Philippe Watches for their budget, there are Patek Philippe Replica watches available at a fraction of cost.
With so many of its models proving to be great investments for selling on the secondary market, you can’t go wrong. (Just make sure to check watches for authenticity)! What you can be sure of when you add one to your collection is unbeatable quality and authenticity.
Each timepiece tells a story of the brand’s heritage, signifying a unique piece of horological workmanship.
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This was an excellent article. The author very eloquently distilled the history and significance of one of the greatest names in horology, and showcased some of their most influential creations. I would like to suggest a correction. The Henry Graves Supercomplication was introduced in 1933, and not in 1993. I believe the date is significant because it highlights that such an incredible feat of horology was accomplished solely through human craftsmanship, without the use of computers; and, to this day, almost a century later, it still remains the most complicated watch ever made without the use of a computer. Otherwise a really well written piece. Informative and a joy to read.