For those with a penchant for the past and a desire for timeless elegance, vintage Patek Philippe watches stand as a testament to enduring craftsmanship and unparalleled style. The Swiss watchmaker has been one of the most expensive watch brands for over a century, and their commitment to excellence is unwavering, which you can see in these vintage watches for men.
Best vintage Patek Philippe watches to buy now
Patek Philippe Grand Complication
Price: £367,456 | Reference: 5004P-022 | Location: Netherlands
The Patek Philippe Grand Complication is a remarkable watch, representing the culmination of Patek Philippe's grand complications. It blends a perpetual calendar with a split-seconds chronograph, a true holy grail for collectors. This descendant of iconic models like the ref. 1518 and 2499 introduced the rattrapante complication, making it unique in Patek's lineage. With a 36mm platinum case, it strikes the perfect balance between size and elegance. Unlike its successor, the 5204, which grew to 40mm, the 5004P remains a vintage masterpiece.
Patek Philippe 4th Series
Price: £106,818 | Reference: 3970E | Location: Netherlands
The Patek Philippe ref. 3970 is a masterpiece of grand complications and represents the end of a truly vintage era. Introduced in 1986, it succeeded the legendary ref. 2499 perpetual calendar chronograph, remaining in production for an impressive 18 years until the arrival of the updated ref. 5970. This transition marked a shift towards larger, more modern cases, making the 3970 the last of its kind.
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar
Price: £38,454 | Reference: 5140J | Location: Netherlands
The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar is storied, with iconic references like the 1518 and 2499 etching their names in horological history. Now, let's delve into contemporary watchmaking. The beloved 3940 served as the precursor to the 5140, measuring a mere 1.2 mm smaller at 37.2mm. Its slender profile is attributed to the exquisite automatic cal. 240Q, visible through the crystal case back. This timepiece is in near-mint condition, adorned with a new deep brown suede strap and the original Patek Philippe Calatrava yellow gold deployment clasp. It comes complete with the Extract From The Archives and service papers, dating back to 2007.
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 2nd Series
Price: £50,000 | Reference: 3940J | Location: Netherlands
The Patek Philippe ref. 3940 is the epitome of timeless elegance and horological excellence. Encased in a stunning 36mm yellow gold case with a matching screw-down case back, it exudes understated luxury. The champagne dial is adorned with 18k yellow-gold pointed baton indexes and graceful dauphine hands. At 12 o'clock, two apertures reveal the intricate day and month mechanism, while three recessed sub-dials showcase the week, month, leap year, and a captivating moon phase indicator, all surrounding a date complication.
Patek Philippe White Gold Tropical 'Gold Veins' Dial
Price: £20,521 | Reference: 37439601 | Location: Germany
This Patek Philippe White Gold timepiece is a captivating blend of natural beauty and horological craftsmanship, epitomized by the mesmerizing 'gold veins' coursing through its deep blue dial. The watch boasts a full-length 18ct white gold hammered finish bracelet, impeccably preserved and in top condition, enhancing its overall allure. Notably, the crown is discreetly positioned on the back of the watch, ensuring perfect proportions and a seamless design. With a modest case size of 34.5mm, this automatic marvel hails from the year 1972, a testament to its enduring style and functionality.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut
Price: £41,260 | Reference: 40623686 | Location: Germany
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut, often dubbed the "little sister" of the Nautilus, made its debut in 1997. Designed to be a more affordable alternative to the Nautilus, the Aquanaut has since gained its own devoted following. Crafted from durable stainless steel with a sporty rubber strap, this vintage Patek Philippe Aquanaut, produced between 1999 and 2007, is a rarely worn gem. Its 38mm "Jumbo" version exudes an air of sophistication while maintaining a robust, sports watch identity. The black dial offers exceptional legibility, and a transparent case back reveals the exquisite Patek Philippe 315 S C automatic movement. For collectors, this full set, including the original box and "Certificat of Origine," is a treasure trove of horological history.
Patek Philippe Ellipse Platinum
Price: £42,267 | Reference: 35053178 | Location: Belgium
The Patek Philippe Ellipse watch is a true embodiment of luxury. Crafted from platinum, this watch features a distinctive diamond set on the case, adding a touch of opulence. The blue dial, adorned with applied indexes and platinum hands, exudes elegance. Its mechanical automatic movement powers this masterpiece, and it comes with its original box and documents. The Ellipse watch is a statement of sophistication and refined taste.
Patek Philippe Gold
Price: £8,460 | Reference: 39369165 | Location: United States
Elegance knows no bounds with the Patek Philippe "Tegola." Often referred to as the "Tile" due to its unique shape, this vintage Patek Philippe watch is a rarity among collectors. Crafted with a curved case and an original gold French-made case, it's a symbol of timeless style. The Patek Philippe caliber 9'90 movement ensures precision and longevity. This vintage treasure, with its distinctive design and classic appeal, is a testament to Patek Philippe's enduring legacy.
Check out our guide to starting a Patek Philippe collection.
