Polish watchmaker Antoni Patek started making pocket watches in 1839 in Geneva, along with his fellow Polish migrant Franciszek Czapek. They separated in 1844, and in 1845 Patek joined with the French watchmaker Adrien Philippe, inventor of the keyless winding mechanism. In 1851, Patek Philippe & Co was founded.  In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wrist-watch. They have also pioneered the perpetual calendar, split-seconds hand, chronograph, and minute repeater in watches. In 1851, Patek Philippe started supplying its watches to Queen Victoria and her consort, Prince Albert. Timepieces of the Genevan manufacturer immediately attracted attention of all the royal courts of Europe.  

Patek Philippe is notable for manufacturing its own watch components.  Patek Philippe timepieces have recorded high closing prices in auctions worldwide.  Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva is a destination for all Horology enthusiasts.  As of the late 2000s, the company is owned by the Stern family, led by Philippe Stern and his son Thierry Stern.