5 reasons why you should invest in a Patek Phillipe watch

An exquisitely crafted watch is a thing of both beauty and functionality, making it a prized possession and a good investment over the long term. This is particularly true for the timeless line from Patek Philippe.

According to most experts, Patek Philippe is the most revered timepiece manufacturer in the world. Their timepieces are so sought after that they routinely establish new auction records at a much higher rate than their competitors.

What, though, is it about a Patek Philippe that makes it so desirable?

Here are five reasons why these items are so highly sought after by collectors despite their famously low availability.

1.    They are heritage pieces

Since its founding in 1839, Patek Philippe has been producing timepieces with several innovations that are still standard practise in the industry today. With over a hundred patents to their name, they have revolutionised the watchmaking industry.

Indicative of the firm’s commitment to horological skill are timepieces ranging in complexity from the straightforward hand-winding two-hand watch to the more complex perpetual calendar and split-second chronograph.

2.    They provide unparalleled craftsmanship

Patek Philippe watches aren’t flamboyant; instead, Patek Philippe watch prices reflect the fact that these pieces feature carefully studied designs that are built to persist despite fickle shifts in trend, such as the Bauhaus-inspired Calatrava and the Art Deco Gondolo.

Each watch, which can include as many as 252 pieces, is put together entirely by hand. This ensures that no corners are cut throughout the assembly process, and that even the parts that are not visible to the wearer (such as the movements) are of the highest quality.

3.    They are highly exclusive

Patek Philippe is rumoured to have produced fewer than one million watches since it opened in 1839.

The modern watch business produces almost 20 million watches annually, but only approximately 50,000 of those are Patek Philippe. Only a select few Patek watches, across all collections and designs, are released each year.

The meticulous nature of Patek Philippe’s manufacturing process is a major contributor to the brand’s limited output. On average, a Patek Philippe watch takes nine months to produce, while the more intricate models can take up to two years.

4.    They are backed by comprehensive archives

Patek Philippe maintains an archive where you may look up information about any of their watches. You can be sure that information regarding your watch, such as when it was manufactured and first sold, is easily accessible.

5.    They are a solid investment

Although it’s never a good idea to buy a watch as an investment because of the market’s volatility, Patek Philippe timepieces tend to maintain their value rather well.

In part, this is because the company is still run by its founding family, which has a tight grasp on all aspects of its operation, from production to distribution to valuation.

Even though fashions come and go, Patek Philippe’s timeless creations will always be appreciated. Using precious metals, together with their intrinsic quality and imperial pedigree, these timepieces are truly heirloom pieces.