A Grand Time: The Role Exhibitions Played In Patek Philippe's Glittering History

Although the company name of Patek, Philippe & Cie wasn't registered until 1851, the two founders of the storied watchmaker in fact first came together in 1844 This remarkable, patented innovation-the basis for the stemwinding system that remains standard in most watches made to this day-brought Philippe to the attention of a Geneva-based, Polish-born entrepreneur named Antoine Norbert de Patek In Jean Adrien Philippe, Patek felt he'd found a more conscientious, inventive collaborator.

The year the business name was officially changed to Patek, Philippe & Cie, the watchmaker took part in another exhibition, which would prove pivotal to its future fortunes At the 1851 Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations in London, where curiosities and inventions from across the world were showcased to an awestruck Victorian public, Patek Philippe proved the highlight of the Swiss concession, wowing attendees with its stunning timepieces This royal seal of approval spawned interest from Britain and the continent's privileged elite, and Patek Philippe quickly became a roaring success among the aristocratic and affluent of the old world.

Since its acquisition by Charles Henri and Jean Stern in 1932, Patek Philippe has been stewarded by the Stern clan-today, the fourth generation of the family is at the helm, 49-year-old Thierry Stern having assumed the mantle of president in 2009. . Source