Patek Philippe & Co.
During the Polish uprising in 1830, Norbert de Patek, a Polish refugee settled in Geneva, preferring exile rather than prison. Geneva at the time, was the capital of watches and jewelry. Nine years later with his friend and compatriot, the talented watchmaker François Czapek, they set about using their talents and founded the watch manufacturer Patek, Czapek & Co, with headquarters in Geneva. Their art reflects the themes of the history of Poland, as the portraits of revolutionary heroes, legends of the tenth and twelfth centuries, and the cult of the Black Virgin. Unfortunatelly in 1844 Czapek and Patek had separated in cause of disagreement between them. In 1844 Mr. Patek met the French watchmaker, Mr. Adrien Philippe. At the Paris Exhibition of industrial products in 1844, Philippe presented his pioneering stem winding and setting system by the crown. It represents a giant step forward in watchmaking because until then all timepieces had to be wound and set with a separate key, which could be lost or incorrectly used. This fantastic discovery immediately interested Antoine Patek. After that when Mr. Philippe became officially associated the company, in 1851, these two men formed a partnership and founded the firm Patek Philippe & Co. In 1932, the company was purchased by Charles and Jean Stern, two brothers and since then, “Patek Philippe SA” remains a family business, with the 3rd and 4th generation to head: Mr. Philippe Stern, President and M. Thierry Stern, his son, Vice-President.
At present days Patek Philippe is an independent company, enjoys total creative freedom to design, produce one of the best timepieces in the world. With the experience of more than 70 patents, Patek Philippe is the only manufacture that produce all of its mechanical movements according to the strict specifications of the Geneva Seal. These precious, timeless elegant watches are proudly handed down from one generation to another. Patek Philippe continues to be a symbol ofwealth and is the primary reason why rich businessmen and celebrities continue to wear them. These noble watches are the result of the latest generation of technology associated with traditional watchmaking process.
