How to buy a Patek Philippe watch second-hand

Patek Philippe is at the top of the game when it comes to horological craftsmanship. They are known for precision, heritage, and unparalleled elegance, and second-hand market opens doors for everyone to own one.

As with any high-price item, it is best to be informed before you decide on which one to buy. Whether you’re a seasoned watch connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of haute horlogerie, our guide will illuminate the path to finding the perfect second-hand Patek Philippe watch while ensuring authenticity, quality, and the joy of owning a mechanical masterpiece.

Why choose a Patek Phillipe watch?

Patek Philippe stands as a Swiss luxury watchmaker renowned for crafting some of the most exclusive and costly timepieces in the world.

They distinguish themselves even among the other luxury watch manufacturers because they create all their movements in-house. This commitment to craftsmanship and quality is reflected in the intricacy of their watches, often boasting multiple complicated features like perpetual calendars, moon phases, and minute repeaters.

This brand has a reputation for exclusivity, as they manufacture only around 50,000 watches each year. This limited production contributes to allure of a Patek Philippe, as well as their price tags. Notably, a Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime achieved a staggering price of $31 million in a 2019 sale, marking the highest auction price ever attained for a timepiece.

Throughout its history, Patek Philippe has significantly influenced the watch industry, exemplified by Jean-Adrien Philippe’s invention of the keyless winding mechanism. With a rich heritage and an unwavering commitment to exceptional quality, Patek Philippe remains an immensely coveted brand for both watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Which Patek Philippe to buy?

At Luxe Watches, we know how important it is for you to feel confident about your choice. Each of our timepieces has its own unique appeal, and making the right decision is crucial, especially considering the investment you’re making. We truly believe that the best watch is the one that excites you the most, regardless of its brand. However, we’re here to assist you in navigating the captivating world of Patek Philippe watches.

• Among our customers, the classic Nautilus sports watch from the brand is a clear favorite. Its distinct shape and timeless style make this flagship Patek Philippe watch a showstopper that captures the attention of even the most discerning watch enthusiasts.
• On the other hand, the elegant Calatrava offers a different experience compared to the sporty Nautilus. It focuses on simplicity and timelessness, making it Patek Philippe’s most popular dress watch. By the way, the term “calatrava” is the name of the symbol featured in the Patek Philippe logo.
• For women, the striking Twenty-4 watches are purposefully designed. They are perfect for both business attire and evening wear. These watches come in round or square shapes, with a maximum diameter of 36mm.

Pre-owned Patek Philippe price guide

Pre-owned Patek Philippe watches come in various ages, models, conditions, and levels of popularity, which makes it hard to give brief rules of thumb when it comes to price.

However, based on previous sales at Luxe, we can share the following data about some of the Patek Philippe collections that you may wish to use as a guideline.

	Average	High	Low
Aquanaut	£26,845.00	£45,995.0	£11,995.0
Nautilus	£75,826.2	£279,995.0	£13,995.0
Calatrava	£30,870.00	£37,995.00	£16,995.0
Complications	£47,637.86	£88,995.00	£24,995.00

Patek Philippe as an investment?

When we compared the investment returns of luxury watches with that of other products, we found that luxury watches outperformed luxury bags, supercards and even real estate. 

Of all the watch brands we looked at, it was Patek Philippe that gave the best results. Patek watches outperformed Rolex and Audemars Piguet as well as the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 over time.

Why can the prices of Patek Philippe increase over time? Because, as well as being beautiful products with exceptional functionality, they are collectors items in limited supply. There’s no guarantee that the price of any particular watch will increase over time, but the prices can surge, making them an attractive prospect for patient investors.

Buying Patek Philippe pre-owned – What should you know?

Let’s get straight to the point: Patek Philippe watches come with a hefty price tag. They’re meticulously handcrafted luxury items, fashioned from expensive materials, and produced in limited quantities due to high demand. These watches are exclusive and premium, matching their cost.

When initially sold, Patek Philippe watches are accompanied by a “Certificate of Origin,” which the brand likens to a birth certificate for the timepiece. It also functions as the owner’s warranty. Since this certificate cannot be replaced, it’s crucial for the owner to safeguard it.

Another type of documentation that might accompany a Patek Philippe watch is an “Extract from the Archives.” These extracts can be requested from Patek Philippe when a watch is over a decade old. They contain information recorded in the brand’s records, detailing the watch’s specifications at the time of manufacturing, along with any subsequent modifications made by Patek Philippe.

To obtain these extracts, you must directly contact Patek Philippe, and they can be ordered through their website.

As is the case with all luxury items, it’s important to ensure that you’re purchasing from a reputable dealer. Unfortunately, some sellers may try to deceive unsuspecting buyers with stolen or counterfeit goods. If you have any queries or concerns regarding your purchase, we’re more than happy to assist you. Luxe Watches has been operating since 2011 and is known for its outstanding service in the industry.

Buying via Luxe Watches

We aim to sell watches with their original box and paperwork where possible. If either is not available, this is stated in the product description and reflected in the price. 

We send watches via secure delivery to be received within seven days of payment. 

If you expect your watch to need strap length adjustment to fit your wrist, send us a message and we will make the adjustments.

We have a reputation for excellent customer service and are very happy to talk through any questions or issues you have. Just give us a call or visit us in our store in Epping, just outside of London. 

Have any other questions? Check our FAQ here.