10 Cheapest Patek Philippe Watches (No Need to Pay a Fortune!)

Patek Philipe is a renowned luxury watchmaker, and the company is known for having some of the finest watch designs in the industry with sky-high price tags. What if you are interested in the brand but don’t want to pauperize trying to purchase one? Are there Patek watches for slimmer budgets?

About Patek Philippe Watches

Put together with the finest materials, enthusiasts consider them the Sangraal of watches. These timepieces are well known for their unique craftsmanship, timeless designs, and head-spinning price tags. Patek Philippe has stood the test of time and has proven their credibility by producing some of the best watches the world has ever seen for well over a century.

Since the company was established in 1839 in Geneva, it has taken the job of leading global watchmaking too seriously. Patek Philippe has consistently come up with designs and innovations that have broken many records in the industry.

Patek designed the first wristwatch ever in 1868 and also created a perpetual calendar for pocket watches in 1889. Patek Philippe has shown its prowess in not only crafting the finest watches but also introducing various movements like the Calibers 12 and 89 that watch brands widely utilize to date.

For a watch enthusiast like myself, a timepiece has to tick various boxes to be considered an heirloom, and Patek Philippe seems to have a sharp focus on these exact boxes. They tend to be passed from generation to generation while having an increased value each time they change hands.

Without a surprise, Patek Philippe prices keep getting higher and higher due to their scarcity, the increasing popularity of luxury items in general, and the high demand for Patek watches among investors and collectors.

As a specific example, I find the price jump in the discontinued Nautilus 5711 amusing. The unique bezel shape of this Patek Philippe caught my eye when it launched in 2006, and all I could think of was laying my hands on one, how well it was going to fit with my turquoise blue blazer and my newly acquired brown Clarks Wallabee. 

My dreams of getting one were crushed when it was discontinued in 2021, and the price skyrocketed. On the secondary market, this watch has increased from its initial price of $29,000 to sell for over $100,000.

Patek watches are made with the highest quality materials, designed by world-class craftsmen, and hold high demand from the enthusiast community. You can’t have anything at that level of peculiarity without paying a heavy price.

If I were going to an event with many big names and I was certainly going to be shaking hands, I would totally slap a Patek on my wrist, not just because they’re expensive and would make me look cool. Still, they also serve the purpose of a good conversation starter.

Are Cheap Patek Philippe Watches Worth it?

For timepieces made with some of the finest metals in the world and designed by world-class craftsmen, you do not expect them to be priced as low as your regular Casio watches. 

Even the least expensive Patek Philippe watches are not as cheap as what many brands offer for their top pieces. The most affordable Patek watches are priced between 18 to 20 thousand dollars at retail and could cost much more than that on the secondary market.

A glance at the price list of Patek watches will give you an understanding of why an $18,000 timepiece could be tagged affordable. To many collectors and enthusiasts, it is inexpensive, considering it was designed by such a highly valued luxury watchmaker. But what about these less pricey timepieces? Are they worth buying?

The worth of a Patek watch depends on why you want to get one in the first place. If your interest in a Philippe watch is for it to serve as a status symbol, then a cheap one won’t cut it for you. Everyone with any knowledge of timepieces could easily tell the more affordable watches from the expensive ones; the watch would not be serving its initial purpose for buying it in this case.

However, buying a cheap Patek Philipe as your first step into discovering the absolute heights of Swiss watchmaking can be an amazing value. They do not cost as much as the most pricey Pateks, but they hold the same quality in terms of materials and build. Additionally, they use the movements of the more expensive models, whether it sounds too good to be true or not. Because they are in lower demand, you can always get a good deal for them.

Even though these watches are made with the same quality of materials, I sure do not expect to see a chronograph or a moon phase in a less pricey Patek Philipe watch, and this is one of the downsides of getting a cheaper piece. The special features in the more affordable Patek watches are little or nonexistent compared to the more expensive ones.

If you are after the status symbol that comes with owning a Patek Philipe timepiece, spending more money on an expensive model will better suit that purpose. But if your interest is in the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship, a cheap Patek can be a good value.

Tips You Should Follow Before Buying a Cheap Patek Philippe Watch

Most watch enthusiasts have experienced regret after buying a timepiece. It mostly happens with lower-valued watches within a lineup. Here are some tips for getting cheap Patek Philippe watches:

1. Research: Read and ask questions about the best cheap Patek watch your money can buy to enjoy the best of the affordable category.

2. Buy from a trusted watch dealer: If you are not buying from any of the physical or online Patek stores, make sure to buy from a reputable dealer to avoid purchasing a fake timepiece.

3. Negotiate: Cheap Patek watches are not as scarce as expensive ones, so if you are looking at getting a used one or buying from the secondary market and can negotiate well, you could potentially get a good deal.

Cheapest Patek Philippe Watches You Can Buy Today

With that said, here are the 10 most affordable Patek Philippe watches you can get today:

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5167A

Swaying from the original look of Patek watches, its octagonal case, and the rubber strap give it a sportier look than the Nautilus. Don’t be fooled by its casual style because it is designed with the same quality of materials, just as any other Patek Philippe. It was introduced in 1997 and quickly became many watch lovers’ go-to timepieces due to its affordability compared to other Patek watches. 

Its 40.8mm steel octagonal case gives the watch a stylish look. Coupled with its rubber strap, it is a timepiece that fits perfectly as weekday wear at the office and could be worn on a Friday night out with the boys. The automatic movement and 120 meters of water resistance make it a watch for every activity. This is a watch for a very confident and active man. The Patek Philippe Aquanaut offers good value at $24,000.

Patek Philippe Calatrava (ref. 6119G)

I would slam my plastic on the counter any day for a Patek Calatrava, and so would you if you came across such a beauty. It’s a timeless classic designed for a gentleman’s wrist, and for a watch that has been in production for almost a hundred years, it holds some serious modern touch.

The white gold used to design the 6119G gives it a luxurious and elegant look. Its slender hands, 39mm round case, and 9.08mm thickness would make it sit perfectly under the cuff of any suit. It has a charcoal grey dial perfectly brushed with a vertical finish. It’s a hand-wound Caliber 30-255 PS with a 30-meter water resistance, so It’s not your daily beater. This timepiece has a retail price of $31,940.

Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse (ref. 5738R)

For a watch that exudes so much elegance and class, dropping up to $36,000 on a Golden Ellipse would not be too much for most collectors. This timepiece has been part of Patek’s collection for over 50 years, and what makes it stand out is its 39.5mm x 34.5mm elliptical case and elegant design.

This piece could be styled with your chinos and jean jacket on a rainy day and will spin heads on a shorts sleeve polo shirt with cargo pants. Its 5.9mm thickness makes it a relatively thin watch compared to most Pateks. The Ellipse is cased with rose gold and has an alligator leather strap. The automatic Caliber 240 movement powers it and has a 30 meters water resistance.

Patek Philippe Calatrava (ref.5227G)

Calatrava is known as an iconic model of Patek Philippe, but the versatility differentiates the 5227G from other Calatravas. It’s a dress watch, and it also looks fabulous when styled down. This one is cased in 39mm white gold, coupled with its black dial, making it look luxurious and smart. It has a square-scale alligator strap like the early Pateks.

It is powered by the self-winding Caliber 26-330 SC with a 30-meter water resistance. Unlike the previous ones, its slightly larger case size and shape make this Calatrava more fit for a bigger wrist. If you want to make a statement without appearing flashy, this Calatrava is a perfect watch for you.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time (ref. 5164A)

Even with a rubber strap, the Aquanaut Time Travel is still one of the most sought-after Patek watches by collectors. Its robust construction and features make it a total eye-catcher at first glance. This timepiece does not ooze so much style, but it’s a watch for very confident well-traveled men.

This timepiece features dual timezones, a 40.8mm stainless steel case, and the Patek Philippe in-house Caliber 26-330 A C FUS movement. It has up to 45 hours of power reserve with 120 meters of water resistance. It currently sells for $42,580.

Patek Philippe Calatrava (ref. 6007G)

The Calatrava watches are one of the cheapest from Patek Philippe, but the attention to detail and elegance of this timepiece makes them very popular among enthusiasts. The 6007G model is a good choice for closing a business deal and a quick visit to the bar to celebrate your win afterward. It has a modern classic look that won’t go out of style soon.

It is powered with the same movement as the Calatrava 5227G with a 40mm case size and is covered in a white gold case and a black leather strap. It’s a perfect watch for men who like to be put together and have a classic style. This timepiece sells for $37,850.

Patek Philippe Complications Annual Calendar (ref. 4947/1A)

Patek has mastered the art of adding the most useful features to their watches, and that’s why collectors won’t mind slaying dragons to lay their hands on a masterpiece like the Compilations Annual Calendar. It is a well-designed piece with very impressive features. It is covered in a polished steel case and a dark blue dial with a vertical and horizontal finish.

This watch is powered by the Patek Philippe Caliber 324 S QA LU self-winding movement with a 35-45 hours power reserve. Its annual calendar complication and moon phase indicator would make you feel sophisticated and confident in any situation. It has a 30-meter water resistance and is priced at around $51,000.

Patek Philippe Calatrava (ref. 5226G)

Patek Philippe has maintained the round case of Calatrava watches since 1932, and what stands the 5226G model out from the rest is the addition of the Clous De Paris hobnail pattern, which has been used to decorate some iconic Patek timepieces. It’s covered in a 40mm white gold case with a strap made of calfskin and an extra beige-colored one. It is currently sold for $40,220.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph (ref. 5968A)

This is an upgrade from the 5167A model with an addition of a chronograph. It is also a COSC-certified watch, so it’s a very accurate piece. At 42.2mm case size, It’s a bigger watch than the previous model, making it look good on a much bigger wrist. It’s a timepiece that screams confidence and taste, so if you fall into this category, you should be getting ready to swipe your card for one. The Aquanaut Chronograph is sold for $55,000.

Patek Philippe Complications Annual Calendar Moon Phases (ref. 5396G)

Just like the 4947/1A model, it’s a watch appreciated by most enthusiasts. The addition of the moon phase makes it a more cherished piece. It is powered by the Patek Philippe Caliber 324 S QA LU 24H/303 automatic movement. 

This model is enclosed in a 38.5mm white gold case with a silver dial giving it a look fit for very stylish individuals. This timepiece looks very good when dressed up or down. The Compilations Annual Calendar Moon Phases offers top-quality and outstanding features at $57,370.

Just like the 4947/1A model, it’s a watch appreciated by most enthusiasts. The addition of the moon phase makes it a more cherished piece. It is powered by the Patek Philippe Caliber 324 S QA LU 24H/303 automatic movement. 

This model is enclosed in a 38.5mm white gold case with a silver dial giving it a look fit for very stylish individuals. This timepiece looks very good when dressed up or down. The Compilations Annual Calendar Moon Phases offers top-quality and outstanding features at $57,370.

Conclusion

Whether it’s the most expensive Patek Philippe watch or the cheapest one, they are all made with the highest quality materials, and they all perform different amazing functions. At the absolute heights of Swiss watchmaking, your investment will always go towards precise and careful craftsmen’s work. 

But if you are looking at buying a cheap model, make sure the timepiece you are going for aligns with the purpose of buying it, to enjoy the complete experience that comes with rocking a Patek Philippe, thus avoiding all possible disappointments.