15 Best Patek Philippe Watches (Across ALL Categories)

Prepare to be enthralled by the breadth of Patek Philippe’s expertise as we unveil our carefully curated selection of the 15 best Patek Philippe watches. 

Each timepiece embodies a pinnacle of design, technical mastery, or iconic status. Whether you’re a connoisseur seeking a remarkable work of art or an enthusiast in search of a statement piece, this collection offers a gateway to the world of unparalleled luxury. 

Step into a realm where excellence knows no bounds and discover your perfect Patek Philippe companion.

The History of Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe, founded in 1839 by Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek, began as Patek, Czapek & Cie, manufacturing pocket watches. However, the partnership dissolved, and in 1845, Adrien Philippe joined Patek to establish Patek & Cie, marking the invention of the keyless winding mechanism. 

The company officially became Patek, Philippe & Cie in 1851. Patek Philippe’s reputation grew when Queen Victoria acquired one of their watches in 1851. Notable inventions followed, including the creation of the first Swiss wristwatch for Countess Koscowicz in 1868 and the introduction of various mechanisms and patents. 

In 1932, the Stern family acquired the company, bringing stability during the Great Depression. The Sterns expanded the brand and introduced iconic collections. Philippe Stern and Thierry Stern subsequently led the company, maintaining its commitment to innovation and tradition.

Patek Philippe’s watches have achieved record-breaking prices at auctions, and the brand continues to prioritize in-house production and meticulous craftsmanship. With a rich history spanning over 180 years, Patek Philippe remains a pinnacle of watchmaking excellence, producing a limited number of highly coveted timepieces each year.

What’s the Status of Patek Philippe Today?

Today, Patek Philippe stands as the unrivaled pinnacle of prestige and craftsmanship in the world of luxury watches. 

Among the top manufacturers, including renowned brands like Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Breguet, and Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe is considered primus inter pares – the first among equals. 

What sets Patek Philippe apart is not only its exceptional timepieces but also its status as one of the few remaining independent brands. Since 1932, the Stern family has steered the company, maintaining its legacy and unwavering commitment to uncompromising quality. 

Patek Philippe’s desirability extends beyond collectors and connoisseurs, with its watches often commanding record-breaking prices at auctions. Such is the brand’s exclusivity and allure that even brand-new Patek Philippe watches are often more expensive on the secondary market than in official boutiques, a testament to their exclusivity.

Patek Philippe Plans for the Generations to Come

Thierry Stern, the president of Patek Philippe, holds the key to the brand’s future. With a deep understanding of the company’s traditions and a sense of long-term responsibility, Stern leads the brand’s major strategic, technical, and commercial decisions. 

While the hype around the steel Nautilus presented challenges, Stern took the bold step of discontinuing it to maintain the brand’s image and focus on creativity and innovation. 

Stern’s commitment to engaging with clients and preserving the brand’s legacy suggests a promising future for Patek Philippe. The involvement of his sons in the business indicates a potential succession plan, ensuring continuity for the brand. 

However, rumors persist about the possibility of the Stern family selling the company, but Stern has expressed his dedication to Patek Philippe and hinted at the idea of establishing a foundation similar to Rolex’s to secure the brand’s integrity and soul. 

By adopting a long-term strategy and potentially becoming a non-profit entity, Patek Philippe could afford the rare privilege of continuing to thrive while maintaining its status as a family business.

The Best Patek Philippe Watches

Now that you know a bit more about the Patek Philippe brand, here are the best Patek Philippe watches you can buy today:

Patek Philippe Nautilus (ref. 5811/1G)

Patek Philippe has unveiled the highly anticipated successor to the iconic 5711 with the new Nautilus reference 5811/1G-001. This white gold timepiece features a 41mm case, one millimeter larger than its steel predecessor, and boasts a sunburst blue dial with black gradation. 

The watch pays homage to the original Nautilus “Jumbo” ref. 3700 with its two-part case construction, allowing for a historical nod to the brand’s heritage. The movement powering the watch is the Patek caliber 26-330 S C, providing reliable timekeeping and a power reserve of 35-45 hours. 

The Nautilus 5811/1G-001 is water-resistant to 120 meters and features an updated bracelet clasp with a lockable adjustment system. With its subtle evolution and technical updates, this new Nautilus continues the legacy of its predecessor while offering watch enthusiasts an enhanced timepiece.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut (ref. 5167A-001)

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A-001 is a sleek and refined timepiece with a sporty rubber strap. Its 40.8mm case showcases a slim and sophisticated design inspired by Gerald Genta’s iconic style. 

The sturdy and comfortable rubber strap adds a contemporary touch to the watch. Featuring a satin-finished bezel and a geosphere dial with gradient color, this timepiece exudes personality. 

The watch is powered by the caliber 26-330 S C movement; the watch offers reliable self-winding performance and a 45-hour power reserve. With a water resistance of 120 meters and exquisite finishing, the Aquanaut 5167A-001 is a standout choice among luxury sports watches.

Patek Philippe Calatrava (ref. 5227G-010)

The Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227G-010 is an elegant timepiece with a 39mm polished 18kt white gold case. The black lacquered dial features polished gold hands, applied gold index hour markers, and a date window at 3 o’clock. 

The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial, while the transparent case back allows a glimpse of the Patek Philippe caliber 26-330 S C movement. With a water resistance of 30m and a black leather strap with a tang buckle, this automatic watch is paramount to refined classicism that will gracefully complete your dressiest outfit.

Patek Philippe Complications (ref. 5231G)

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5231G is a remarkable world timer timepiece paying tribute to South East Asia and Oceania. With a 38.5mm white gold case, this watch exudes elegance and sophistication. The dial showcases a stunning cloisonné enamel map of the region, meticulously crafted with gold wires and various enamel colors. 

The city disk and 24-hour disk allow for easy time reading across all 24 time zones simultaneously. Powered by the Calibre 240 HU movement, this watch offers 48h of power reserve and 30m of water resistance, and features a 22k gold micro-rotor. With its exquisite finishing and attention to detail, the 5231G is a visually stunning timepiece.

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Rose Gold (ref. 5738R)

Patek Philippe celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Golden Ellipse design with a new rose gold “grande-taille” version. The watch features a 34.5mm x 39.5mm case and an ebony black sunburst dial, exuding timeless elegance. Powered by the ultra-thin caliber 240 with a micro-rotor, this automatic timepiece measures just under 6mm in height. 

The rose gold case is beautifully complemented by the black alligator strap. With its refined design and impressive craftsmanship, the Golden Ellipse is a compelling choice for those seeking an ultra-thin and sophisticated watch.

Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phases (ref. 5712/1A)

The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5712/1A-001 is an iconic timepiece with exciting features in a 40mm stainless steel case. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the stunning black-blue dial adorned with luminous hour markers. 

The black-blue dial layout is interesting in its asymmetry, featuring a power reserve indicator, date indicator with moon phases, and a running seconds subdial, which covers the dial from 10 o’clock to 4 o’clock (through 6 o’clock) while leaving the upper right quadrant free. 

The stainless steel bracelet is exquisitely finished with a fold-over clasp. Inside, the automatic Caliber 240 PS IRM C LU powers the watch with precision and offers a 48-hour power reserve. With its meticulous craftsmanship, attractive set of complications, and remarkable movement, the Nautilus Ref. 5712/1A-001 is a true watch enthusiast’s watch.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce Annual Calendar (ref. 5261R-001)

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce Annual Calendar Ref. 5261R-001 is a versatile unisex timepiece that combines elements from both men’s and women’s designs. With a 39.5mm 4N rose gold case -shining slightly more yellow than the 5N traditionally used in Patek’s watches for men, it exudes luxury and style.

The dial features a unique matte-cloudy blue-gray color, complementing the rose gold case beautifully. The white applied numerals and hands are highlighted by an 18k gold border, which lends them a bit of a glitzy aspect. The watch is powered by the in-house Caliber 26-330 S QA LU automatic movement, visible through the sapphire caseback. 

It incorporates an annual calendar, moon phase, and date indicators. The fitted rubber strap is embossed with a grid pattern matching the dial, creating a balanced aesthetic. Water resistance is on the lower side, with only 30m. 

On the wrist, it provides a comfortable fit and wears smaller than its dimensions suggest. The blend of features and the intentional unisex design make this Aquanaut Luce Annual Calendar a standout timepiece in the Patek Philippe collection.

Patek Philippe Grand Complications (ref. 6301P)

The Patek Philippe Ref. 6301P Grande Sonnerie is an exceptional chiming watch that showcases the brand’s expertise in haute horologerie.  With its platinum case measuring 44.8mm in diameter and 12mm in height, the watch has a substantial presence.

The case is beautifully crafted with a concave bezel and satin-finished flanks. It features a sapphire crystal caseback and an interchangeable solid platinum caseback. 

The Caliber GS 36-750 PS IRM movement is based on the Caliber 300 used in the Grandmaster Chime and offers grande (chiming the time every quarter of an hour) and petite (chiming every hour only) sonnerie functions, a minute repeater (chiming on demand), and a small jumping seconds display. 

Also, on the Grand Feu black enamel dial, you can find two power reserve indicators: one for the movement and one for the striking mechanism. The latter may come in handy as you wouldn’t want to have the striking mechanism remain stuck mid-chime. 

It’s worth mentioning that the new caliber equipping this timepiece was awarded two patents for the sonnerie function and one for the jumping seconds. The watch comes with a hand-stitched alligator leather strap and a platinum folding clasp. While not water-resistant, it is protected against moisture and dust. 

With its remarkable craftsmanship and intricate complications, the Ref. 6301P Grande Sonnerie is an absolute masterpiece in the world of watchmaking, the kind that only a handful of manufacturers possess the ability to create.

Patek Philippe Nautilus Flyback Chronograph (ref. 5980/1R)

The Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph reference 5980/1R is a stunning full gold watch, including a solid rose gold bracelet. The watch exudes luxury and wears with a substantial presence. The superb finish and details of the Nautilus are evident, with the combination of satin-brushed and polished parts creating a beautiful play of light. 

The 5980/1R features a black gradient dial with gold applied hour markers, and the rose gold case has a screw-down crown and a sapphire crystal case back. The always stylish flyback chronograph function is provided by the CH 28-520 C caliber. 

With a water resistance of 120m, a case diameter of 40.5mm, and a height of 12.2mm, the watch is both stylish and practical. It is complemented by a gold bracelet with a patented fold-over clasp. The Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph 5980/1R is a true symbol of luxury as well as a personal statement.

Patek Philippe Calatrava (ref. 6007G-011)

Patek Philippe introduces the updated Calatrava Reference 6007G with primary-colored dial variations. This particular 011 version sports blue details and measures 40mm in diameter and 9mm thick. The white gold case is polished and water-resistant to 30 meters.

The black dial features colorful accents on the minute and hour track, with matching center seconds hands. The Arabic numerals and hands have a luminescent coating, and the dial showcases different finishes, including carbon-style stamped guilloche. 

The watch is powered by the caliber 26-330 S C movement and comes with a black calfskin strap with contrast stitching. The 6007G series gives a refreshingly casual touch to the prestigious Calatrava collection.

Patek Philippe Complications Chronograph (ref. 5905/1A)

The Patek Philippe Flyback Chronograph Annual Calendar 5905/1A is a sophisticated timepiece that combines modernity and functionality. The combination of a chronograph and an annual calendar, relatively rare to begin with, is a very attractive one for lovers of content-packed timepieces.

Its stainless steel case measuring 42mm in diameter and 14.3mm in height, exudes a sporty yet elegant presence. The sapphire crystal protects the dial, while the concave bezel adds a touch of refinement. The watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet featuring contrasting polished and satin-brushed finishes, secured with Patek Philippe’s patented fold-over clasp. 

Powered by the self-winding caliber CH 28-520 QA 24H movement, it offers a power reserve of 45-55 hours. The 5905 is an ideal talking piece among connoisseurs.

Patek Philippe Grand Complications Travel Time (ref. 5520P)

The Patek Philippe Alarm Travel Time 5520P is a luxurious travel watch with an alarm complication that combines practicality with elegance. With its 42.2mm-wide platinum case and a thickness of 11.6mm, it offers a wearable size and 30 meters of water resistance. 

The watch features a chiming alarm with a musical hammer-and-gong mechanism, a rarity among contemporary watchmakers. The dial is visually balanced, with digital windows for setting the alarm time and indicating AM/PM. The timepiece also includes two 12-hour-format time zones and a date display. 

Powered by the in-house Patek Philippe caliber AL 30-660 S C FUS automatic movement, the watch boasts 52 hours of power reserve. The Alarm Travel Time is a useful and elegant timepiece that stands out in the realm of grand complications, offering practicality and luxury in one package.

Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Automatic (ref. 7300/1200R)

The Patek Philippe Twenty-4 Automatic represents a revolution in the collection, shifting from a rectangular case to a round one and upgrading the quartz movement for an automatic caliber. The 36mm case is complex, seamlessly integrating the bracelet and featuring steps in the links that follow the lugs, creating a tonneau-shaped silhouette.

The diamond-set bezel follows the curvature of the case and is raised at 12 and 6 o’clock, adding to the overall complexity. The case is slightly thicker at 10.05mm but remains comfortable on the wrist. The watch is available in steel or 18k rose gold, with a water resistance of 30m. 

The brown dial showcases a sunburst pattern, complemented by applied gold numerals with luminescent coating and Nautilus-like hands. The watch is powered by the self-winding Calibre 324 movement, visible through the sapphire caseback, and certified by the Patek Philippe Seal for precision and excellence.

Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar (ref. 5740/1G)

The Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar 5740/1G-001 is a true jaw-dropper, combining the inimitable allure of the Nautilus with the hard-to-resist attractiveness of the perpetual calendar, a complication marking the first step towards grand complications. 

With a 40mm case made of 18kt white gold and an alternate of brushed and polished finishes, it exudes luxury and elegance. The dial features blue embossed horizontal stripes with a fine sunburst finish, complemented by luminous hour markers and baton-style hands. 

The sub-dials display the perpetual calendar functions, including day, date, month, leap year, day/night, and moon phase indicators. The bracelet is crafted from white gold with a polished and brushed finish, fastened with a push-button folding clasp adorned with the Calatrava Cross. 

Powering this exceptional timepiece is the automatic Patek Philippe caliber 240 Q, featuring 275 parts, Côtes de Genève striping, perlage finish, and a micro-rotor engraved with the Calatrava Cross. With its impeccable craftsmanship, one-of-a-kind Nautilus “starpower”, and impressive complications, this watch is a collector’s dream.

Conclusion

As we conclude our journey through the realm of Patek Philippe’s 15 best watches, we stand in awe of the brand’s profound expertise across a vast spectrum of timepieces. 

Whether you’re drawn to the adrenaline-pumping sports watches, the refined elegance of dress watches, or the impressive complexity of grand complications, Patek Philippe has left no stone unturned in delivering unmatched excellence. 

Each watch on this curated list is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to horological excellence. Patek Philippe has skillfully mastered the art of watchmaking, leaving no watch enthusiast unsatisfied but ever wanting more.