Are Patek Philippe Watches A Good Investment?
Featured Brand: Patek Philippe
In the world of high-end luxury watches, there’s one name that consistently stands above all others – Patek Philippe.
With a legacy dating back to 1839, Patek Philippe has established itself as one of the finest Swiss watchmakers globally.
Crafted with exceptional precision and assembly by skilled artisans, wearing a Patek Philippe is like having a piece of art on your wrist.
But beyond their beauty and history, Patek Philippe watches have also emerged as alternative investments. Investors worldwide now see luxury watches as a tangible asset class that can appreciate in value over time. And Patek Philippe watches are among the best watches to invest in.
If you’re curious about luxury watch investments and Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal, we’ve got some interesting information for you.
What Makes Patek Philippe Interesting for Investors?
A finely crafted watch isn’t just a beautiful accessory; it’s also a smart investment. And when it comes to timeless elegance, Patek Philippe stands above the rest.
But why do enthusiastic collectors and investors love these luxury watches?
1. Exclusive and Limited
Patek Philippe maintains its exclusivity by producing only a limited number of watches. With fewer than one million watches made since 1839, they’re highly sought-after in a market where millions of watches are produced every year.
The detailed production process of these watches can take months or even years, and demand is only increasing.
2. Heritage and Innovation
Patek Philippe has been creating watches for nearly two centuries, with numerous patents that have revolutionised the watchmaking industry. From hand-winding watches to complex perpetual calendars, their commitment to craftsmanship is evident.
3. Design and Craftsmanship
Patek Philippe is known for its unmatched craftsmanship. Skilled artisans take great care in designing and assembling each watch, made up of around 252 pieces.
This attention to detail ensures that Patek Philippe timepieces hold their value over the years and often even increase in worth. This makes them a wise investment for watch enthusiasts who appreciate fine craftsmanship.
4. Comprehensive Archives
Every Patek Philippe watch ever made is recorded in their searchable archives. This not only provides a sense of confidence but also nostalgia as you learn about its history and original sale date.
5. Worthy Investment
Whether vintage or modern, Patek Philippe watches outshine all other makers in terms of resale value. One reason for this is the company’s continued involvement by its founding family, ensuring firm control over production, distribution, and valuation. Some limited-edition models have fetched extraordinary prices at auctions.
Despite changing trends, Patek Philippe’s timeless designs will always be cherished. Crafted with precious metals and the highest quality, these watches can easily become heirloom pieces for investors.
How Did Patek Philippe Watches Perform in the Past?
Given the exclusivity and reputation of Patek Philippe, coupled with their sky-high prices, you wouldn’t be wrong for thinking it was always this way.
It’s fair to say that Patek Philippe watches have been a hit with collectors and enthusiasts all through the 20th century and beyond.
During the 20th century, Patek Philippe made major strides in the watch world. They introduced the first women’s wristwatch with a five-minute repeater (1915) and a perpetual calendar (1925). And in 1933, they wowed everyone with the Henry Graves Supercomplication – a watch so complex it fetched $11 million at an auction in 1999.
Patek Philippe continued rolling out incredible models throughout the 20th century, like the Calatrava (1974), the Nautilus (1981), the Calibre 89 pocket watch (1989), and the Aquanaut (1997). Many of these iconic designs continue to be popular and fetch high prices in the market.
Limited editions released by the company are highly sought after at auctions, where millionaire buyers often compete for these timepieces.
In 2019, they smashed auction records, selling the most expensive watch ever – the limited-edition Grandmaster Chime (6300A-01) – for a jaw-dropping $31.9 million.
Under the Stern family’s ownership since 1932, Patek Philippe’s enduring legacy of complication watches and quality design makes them a true crown jewel in watchmaking. There’s no doubt that a Patek Philippe investment is a smart one!
Do Patek Philippe Watches Hold Their Value?
A Patek Philippe watch is an excellent investment thanks to its ability to hold and increase in value over time. And it’s no surprise why – the craftsmanship that goes into each watch is of the highest quality, making them stand out in the market.
Certain Patek Philippe models increase in value significantly more, including the Patek Philippe Aquanaut, the Nautilus, and the Calatrava.
Patek Philippe’s ability to hold their value is evident in their history of resilience during economic downturns. In fact, they seem to grow even stronger during challenging economic times.
From the Financial Crisis of 1847 to the Great Depression and the oil crisis of the 1970s, Patek Philippe managed to weather these storms and even thrive. The company’s watches proved to be assets of lasting value, sought after by collectors seeking both enjoyment and financial security.
Even during the 2007-2008 financial crisis, Patek Philippe watches retained their value well in the market. Auction results during that period showed impressive performance.
Which Factors Influence the Value of a Patek Philippe Watch?
Curious about why Patek Philippe watches command such high prices and are highly valued by collectors? These influencing factors will give you your answer:
Condition
A Patek Philippe timepiece in top-notch condition holds greater value compared to one showing signs of wear and tear. Collectors and enthusiasts highly value well-maintained watches, as they are more likely to retain their value over time.
Rarity
The rarity of a Patek Philippe watch has a major impact on its value, especially when it comes to pre-owned or vintage timepieces. These watches are in high demand precisely because they are so scarce.
When a Patek Philippe watch is rare and highly desirable, its value can skyrocket. Limited edition pieces, with their exclusivity and scarcity, often command a premium price in the market.
Reputation and Model
The Patek Philippe brand is synonymous with luxury, and wearing a Patek Philippe timepiece reflects a sense of prestige. Their reputation for craftsmanship and quality is firmly established over many years, making their timepieces highly sought after.
Take, for instance, the Patek Philippe Nautilus watches, iconic watches that have earned their place as one of the most-coveted Patek Philippe models.
Original Box and Papers
Whether brand new or pre-owned, the original box and papers of a Patek Philippe watch can significantly impact its value. They not only serve as proof of authenticity and ownership history but also enhance the watch’s overall presentation, making it even more desirable.
Market Trends and Demand
Just like any market, the watch industry experiences fluctuations influenced by economic conditions, shifting customer preferences, and the overall popularity of specific brands or models.
But the desirability of Patek Philippe never seems to wane. Through all these fluctuations, they still manage to retain their appeal. Demand is only growing, significantly influencing the value of these luxury timepieces.
Five Patek Philippe Watches That We Recommend to Investors
If you’re considering buying a Patek Philippe, with an eye on its future investment potential, it’s a good idea to do some research on the current market.
The good news is that Patek Philippe models are known for holding their value.
Here are some of the best Patek Philippe watches to consider for investment today.
1. Patek Philippe Nautilus
The Patek Philippe Nautilus collection is a true favourite among watch enthusiasts and investors. It is rumoured that the iconic design of this model was sketched on the back of a napkin by the legendary luxury watch designer, Gerald Genta. The iconic rounded octagonal bezel and embossed dial have made these timepieces instantly recognisable.
Other models from the Nautilus line that are worth investing in include the Nautilus 5811/1G and Nautilus 5990/1A.
2. Patek Philippe Aquanaut
Back in 1997, Patek Philippe introduced a new line of sports watches called the Aquanaut. It was inspired by its iconic sibling, the Nautilus, sharing a similar design and style but with a modern and sporty twist.
The first complication introduced to the Aquanaut collection was the Aquanaut Ref. 5164A-001 Travel Time. This timepiece features a dual time zone mechanism and an embossed dial with local and home day/night indicator windows.
After five years, Patek Philippe launched the rose gold version, the Aquanaut Ref. 5164R-001 Travel Time. This variant retained the iconic checkerboard-embossed pattern but featured a rich chocolate brown dial and a matching dark brown tropical rubber strap.
3. Patek Philippe Grand Complication
The Patek Philippe Grand Complication watches are marvels of contemporary watchmaking. These timepieces are not commonly found on the used market. Instead, they often become cherished family heirlooms.
This piece of Patek Philippe craftsmanship holds a value well over £350,000, making it an incredibly rare piece to own and a one-of-a-kind investment.
4. Patek Philippe Calatrava Anniversary Piece
The Calatrava series is undoubtedly one of Patek Philippe’s most elegant and timeless families. Taking inspiration from the class Calatrava Ref. 2512A dating back to 1955, Patek Philippe made a bold move by introducing a new dress watch in stainless steel for the first time since the 1970s. This resulted in the Calatrava Weekly Calendar Ref. 5212A.
What makes this piece a great investment is that it’s the only stainless steel dress watch in the Calatrava collection. This is a true treasure for those fortunate enough to own one.
This particular Patek Philippe model combines vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern complications.
5. Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar (5270/1R)
Patek Philippe holds the distinction of creating the world’s first perpetual calendar wristwatch back in 1925. While it is not a specific model, it is a trademark complication found in various watches.
For serious Patek collectors, one standout recommendation is the Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5271P-001 from the Grand Complications collection. Presented in platinum with a black dial adorned with diamonds, it certainly justifies its price tag of over £200,000.
Another is the Perpetual Calendar 5270/1R, encased in 18K rose gold with an ebony black sunburst dial. The watch offers a range of functions, from times and dates to moon phases and even a leap year indicator.
FAQs
Which Patek Philippe models are the best investments?
Certain Patek Phillipe models have a reputation for being great investment choices, such as the Nautilus, Aquanaut, Calatrava, and Grand Complications. Two specific models that are highly sought-after with prices that appreciate well over time are the Nautilus 5711/1A and the Aquanaut 5167/1A-001.
What is the most expensive Patek Philippe watch ever sold?
The most expensive Patek Philippe watch ever sold was the Grandmaster Chime 6300A-010 – a unique and rare model made from steep. This extraordinary timepiece sold for $31.19 million at the Only Watch Auction in Geneva in 2019.
Final Thoughts
As Patek Philippe continues to dominate the luxury watch market, investing in these timepieces is undoubtedly worth it. The limited production, impeccable craftsmanship, heritage, and enduring appeal of their designs are what make Patek Philippe watches a good investment.
If you’ve dreamt of owning a Patek Philippe and decided it’s a worthy investment, your next step is choosing the right place to make your purchase. Global Boutique has been a reliable partner in helping buyers find their dream luxury timepieces. Browse our collection of luxury watches today! Can’t find your dream watch in our current collection? Get in touch with us – we can source almost any luxury watch for you.
