Patek Philippe Ellipse Ref. 4226

All the way back in 1839, Franciszek Czapek and Antoni Patek founded Patek, Czapek & Cie. in Geneva. The two Polish watchmakers manufactured pocket watches until an argument drove them apart in 1845. Patek teamed up with French watchmaker Adrien Philippe and in 1851, Patek, Philippe & Cie. was officially registered and the story of arguably the finest of watch manufacturers was truly underway.

The company would amass an impressive array of firsts and records. Among which the first perpetual calendar pocket watch, first split-second chronograph wristwatch, first perpetual calendar wristwatch and for twenty-seven years they held the record for most complicated watch movement: 33 complications.

Yes, we have entered the realm of haute horology.

The house registered its Calatrava cross logo in 1887. The Calatrava would later become one of the brand’s celebrated collections and even a design template for other brands.

Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin form what is lovingly referred to as the Holy trinity of watchmaking. Three houses that specialized in haute horology, pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking, decoration and finishing techniques.

Much like Rolex and Omega rule the everyday-watch category, the Holy trinity rules haute horology. A sentiment reflected in Patek’s motto since 1996: You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.