Can I just walk in and buy a Patek?
The chances of being able to buy a watch from Patek Philippe is the same as trying to walk in and buy a brand new Rolex Daytona… Slim to none. This is because most of the collections from the brand have an extensive waitlist that stem from under a year to around 8 years at the time of writing. However, it’s not part of the prestigious Big Three of watches – why is that? Well, Rolex has always focused on producing larger quantities of durable tool watches. The brand prioritizes functionality and robustness over intricate designs and advanced complications.rolex watches, such as the iconic submariner, have served in various military capacities, from naval personnel to special forces. These watches offer not only accuracy but also durability, qualities that make them ideal for demanding environments where timekeeping is crucial.Rolex owns and operates its foundry that produces all of the gold, platinum, and stainless steel alloys that are used in its watches. This ensures that the materials on the outside of the watch that are constantly exposed to the elements are only of the highest levels of quality and durability.But while other watches have become the norm for the modern Navy, the Rolex is very much alive and well. Some SEALs in service today still wear the watch because of its dependability, and because of its legacy with the pioneering SEAL teams that came before.Both brands represent exceptional quality in the luxury watch market. Patek Philippe wins for traditional craftsmanship and exclusivity, while Rolex excels in innovation, reliability, and accessibility. The “better” choice depends on your personal priorities, lifestyle, and budget.
Who owns Patek Philippe now?
Established in 1839, it is named after two of its founders, Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe. Since 1932, the company has been owned by the Stern family in Switzerland and remains the last family-owned independent watch manufacturer in Geneva. The Trinity or ‘big three’ is a nickname given to the most luxurious watchmaking brands in the world. At the top of their game, the three watchmaking companies are Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe.As such, the Holy Trinity of Watches is made up of three ultra-high-end Swiss watch brands: Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, and Patek Philippe. All three of these prestigious brands boast very long histories, which not only demonstrate centuries-old experience, but also continued relevance in today’s market.