Patek Philippe is widely regarded as the maker of fine luxury watches. The sheer artistry and technical prowess that go into each model are unmatched. Collectors, enthusiasts, retailers, buyers, and even those with the slightest passing interest in horology will agree that no other watchmaker can claim a global stand as Patek Philippe.
From the sophistication of the dial design to the extraordinary hand-finished movements and grand complications, this Swiss giant is rightfully renowned for creating the most beautiful luxury watches in the world. So, it’s no surprise that the watches are always in great demand.
But which out of all the references and styles are valued most by fans?
Here, we look at the best-selling Patek Philippe models of all time.
5 Most Desirable Patek Philippe Watches
- Patek Philippe ‘Nautilus’ Ref. 5711/1A
The whole Patek Philippe Nautilus range is highly coveted, but the Ref. 5711/1A is on a completely different level. If you were to believe it, then this model’s waiting period is somewhere between eight and twelve years.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A with a blue dial is one of the world’s most desirable steel sports watches. Released in 1976, the Nautilus 5711 attracted the attention of the watch community with its unique design. In 2006, Patek released the Ref. 5711/1A to commemorate the model’s 30th anniversary. Retaining the essence of the original model, the Ref. 5711/1A features an updated octagonal porthole-shaped 40mm steel case with an octagonal bezel and a bold blue gradient dial.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the discontinuation of the blue dial version in 2021 increased the investment value of this model tenfold. The watches now fetch almost double/triple the original price on the secondary market when you sell Patek Philippe.
- Patek Philippe ‘Aquanaut’ Travel Time Ref. 5164A-001
This beautiful Patek Philippe Aquanaut is for all Patek watch buyers looking for an ideal travel companion. As the name suggests, the Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5164A-001 is perfect for adventurers who travel often and need to track multiple time zones. It includes a dual time zone mechanism, indicating both the home and local times, with the local time displayed on the date indicator.
The Ref. 5164A-001 utilises the brand’s signature octagonal-rounded case design and sits appropriately at 40.8mm. The highly polished finish exudes class, and the perfectly complementing embossed black dial with a slight brownish hue amplifies the look.
If you’re a Patek Philippe buyer, the Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5164A-001 will completely suit your lifestyle, whether you’re relaxing on the beach, delivering a boardroom presentation, or skiing the slopes.
- Patek Philippe ‘Calatrava’ Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524R-001
This one is considerably new in the Patek Philippe catalogue, and many consider it ahead of its time. But that’s your call to take. The watch looks quite classical with gothic applied numerals and antique pilot’s hands. It combines the attributes of a pilot’s watch while retaining Patek’s signature elegance.
With its stunning rose gold finish and warm brown dial, the Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524R-001 is an aesthetically sure-fire winner. It has a large 42mm case, and the inclusion of a matte brown calfskin strap adds to its already amped-up style. This watch draws on vintage-inspired appeal and pairs beautifully with almost any outfit.
Patek released the Pilot’s collection in 2015 with a white gold reference, and in 2018, it welcomed the striking 18ct rose gold variation. For those who want the best of both worlds, look no further than the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524R-001, epitomising elegance and accuracy.
- Patek Philippe ‘Perpetual Calendar’ Chronograph Ref. 5270P-001
Patek Philippe is a master at executing the most complex complications in a highly legible and intricate manner, and the Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5270P-001 is the perfect example of its brilliance in watchmaking. This is the first Perpetual Calendar chronograph model in platinum. Patek Philippe buyers will know that platinum models are more sought-after than the gold iterations, and this Ref. 5270P-001 is no exception.
From the design perspective, this watch is a visual perfection. Just a small example of it is the diamond carefully placed between the bottom lugs. Fans will love the salmon dial with the perfectly contrasting blackened gold Arabic numerals and other elements. Overall, this watch has a lot of character and is highly in demand.
Just so you know, the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5270P-001 with a salmon dial is largely reserved for collectors, and one can expect to easily sell a Patek watch for a hefty amount.
- Patek Philippe ‘Nautilus’ Ref. 5712R-001
Patek Philippe released a stunning rose gold version of the Nautilus with the Ref. 5712R-001 in 2006, and the watch is as technically impressive as it is visually stunning. This luxurious Nautilus is perfectly suited for formal attire, and it is almost impossible for anyone not to notice this beautiful piece.
The Ref. 5712R-001 is relatively large at 40mm. It has a black-brown dial featuring gold-applied hour markers complete with a luminescent coating to make it easily readable in low-light conditions. To finish the look, Patek has fitted a dark brown alligator strap that contrasts well with the warm colour of rose gold, denoting class and luxury.
As we’ve established, the Nautilus is one of the most coveted Patek Philippe watches, and this Ref. 5712R-001 is no different. This dressy timepiece secures a fixed spot on the wish list of any luxury watch fanatic as well as Patek watch buyers who wish to sell Patek Philippe watches later for a higher return.
CONCLUSION
Patek Philippe watches are some of the most prestigious, and there is really no getting around the fact that they are expensive. The models listed here are among the most popular and desirable by collectors and buyers, and as you can ascertain now, almost all these models will appreciate in value over time.