Patek Philippe at Laings: The Ten Values
Patek Philippe is the last Genevan watchmaking manufacturer who have been creating timepieces without interruption since 1839. Benefitting from full creative freedom allows the team to design and manufacture timepieces without limits. Considered to be the world’s finest watches, they go beyond the traditional skills and have amassed over 100 patents – a fitting crown for the art of innovation.
At the centre of the Genevan manufacture sits ten core values: independence, tradition, innovation, quality and fine workmanship, rarity, value, aesthetics, service, emotion and heritage. Representing the ideas and work of the manufacturer, these values combine to create something special, a unique reputation and dedication to perfection. Laings explores these values and how they have helped build a legacy since 1839.
Independence
Patek Philippe is the oldest independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture. This independence allows the brand to control every area of its company including research, design, manufacture and servicing. By remaining a solitary figure in the watch world, it can ensure the ten core values are adhered to through each process. This unique factor is at the heart of Patek Philippe, to be controlled by its own ambitions and not those of others.
Tradition
Founded in 1839, the founding of Patek Philippe as a manufacturer is a chapter in the great history of Genevan watchmaking. Safeguarding traditional techniques for generations, whilst innovating and passing down knowledge to the next great successor has not only reinvented the process but preserved the core foundations. Watchmaking is one of the oldest traditional arts, and whilst keeping abreast of technological developments is essential, it is the traditional, unique master craftsmanship that Patek Philippe is safeguarding.
Innovation
Year after year, Patek Philippe surprises even the most loyal of admirers with new patents and movements. Never one to rest on the ordinary, innovation has become tradition at the Genevan manufacturer. Avant-garde achievements include hand painted guilloche dials, full gem-set timepieces and grand complications spanning over 100 patents. Twenty patents have been defined as important to the history of horology; a feat only worthy of the most innovative hands.
Quality and Fine Workmanship
Today, more than ever, Patek Philippe stay committed to manufacturing the finest timepieces in the world, without a need for commercial gain. This value echo’s the goals of founders Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe. This quality extends across all areas of watchmaking including movements, timekeeping, servicing and functional performance. The brands' dedication to quality has been recognised, and in 1944, Patek Philippe won a record number of first prizes for precision in the Geneva Observatory competition.
Rarity
Due to the meticulous craftsmanship and steady processes, Patek Philippe watches are regarded as exclusive creations, rather than mass produced timepieces. The watches are crafted by the retailer in small groups, ensuring each watch meets the strict quality and precision standards set by the brand centuries ago. The quality in every timepiece is evident when admired, from the subtle finishing of the hands on the dial to the wonderous mechanical movement - almost hypnotic - when peering through a sapphire crystal caseback. A precious and unique creation, Patek Philippe timepieces go beyond a time telling instrument.
Value
Centuries of experience and countless hours of work have culminated in creating a single Patek Philippe watch. Regarded as a precious asset, each watch is considered an investment piece for yourself and the next generation. The generations campaign captures the emotion behind each piece: “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation”. Most Patek Philippe watch owners have begun their own tradition, investing in a family heirloom timepiece. Other timepieces are considered rarities and have fetched record prices at auction, including a Grandmaster Chime going under the hammer for over $31million at the Only Watch charity auction in Geneva in 2019.
Aesthetics
Despite the innovation that happens behind the caseback, Patek Philippe watches are dedicated works of art that are an expression of timeless style. Outliving fashion trends to create everlasting beauty, these watches are carved in such a way that they will never go out of style. The Genevan manufacturer has created its own understated style, harmonising personality with discretion to produce a watch that’s relevant yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Service
Patek Philippe have been servicing their timepieces since the very beginning. They also rely on a small number of hand-selected authorised retailers, such as Laings, to carry out and uphold the strict quality set out in 1839. The manufacturer believes alongside retailing quality timepieces, it has a duty to fulfil the lifelong commitment a client has made to the brand within a purchase. True to its campaign of creating a new tradition, these timepieces are serviced by only the most experienced hands, allowing them to walk with you on your journey through generations. Every individual that cares for a Patek Philippe watch upholds the strict values of the company, ensuring each watch is treated as individually as its owner.
Emotion
Patek Philippe and Laings recognise that a watch goes beyond the physical; they are a representation of captured moments, life successes and stories. Far more than an instrument that displays the time, owners often lead with emotional memories when discussing their timepiece. The purchase of a Patek Philippe watch is often tied to a personal event, such as the birth of a child or career milestone. Each timepiece becomes an extension of its owner, capturing memories throughout life and passing them down to the next generation with a soft fondness.
Heritage
To receive a Patek Philippe timepiece is to become part of a legacy. By building a bridge from past to future, lifelong memories and events are carefully bundled into these watches for a tradition to begin or continue. A family-owned independent company, Patek Phlippe has spared no expense on ensuring their watches and clientele are a reflection of these family values. Inside each watch sits generations of knowledge, creative hands and mastery of techniques – a physical passing of the timepiece is said to represent the very foundations of the manufacture.
THE PATEK PHILIPPE SEAL
Patek Philippe has been committed to high quality craftsmanship since 1839. Adorning each timepiece is the Patek Philippe seal – a recognisable image applied only to timepieces that have passed the rigorous tests and movement expectations. To enforce the highest standard of watchmaking, Patek Philippe created its own seal to ensure no room for compromise is available. A carefully defined criteria, this seal and its standards are applied to all mechanical watches regardless of their complications. Standards include exterior component finishing and a rate accuracy of no more than -1/+2 seconds per day. This seal also covers service for the entire lifetime of the watch, and guarantees the highest quality maintenance, repairs and restoration need.
Laings is honoured to be enlisted to uphold the traditional values of Patek Philippe in our Glasgow, Southampton and Cardiff showrooms. Begin your journey with us by contacting our Client Services team, who will be able to guide and manage your expectations. Browse the Patek Philippe collection online at Laings and discover more about the brand below.
