Patek Philippe is widely reputed as one of the most prestigious watchmakers in the world. The watches are synonymous with quality, luxury, and heritage and are a quintessential symbol of high-end watchmaking. Although famous for their premium designs and avant-garde complications, this Geneva-based family business is also known for its exorbitant price tags, contributing to their exclusivity.
As most of the watches in the brand’s catalogue are generally expensive, what about the first-timers for whom Patek Philippe is both a Holy Grail and a milestone. Well, a few watches in the Maison’s collection do not require you to break the bank. This blog delves into the most affordable Patek Philippe watches that are actually priced with a first-time buyer in mind. These watches embody the same level of exquisite craftsmanship and quality as other high-end Patek models but sit at the lower end of the price chart.
5 Cheapest Patek Philippe Watches To Own
Let’s be real. ‘Cheapest’ and ‘Patek Philippe’ don’t go hand-in-hand in a sentence. People who plan to buy these watches are willing to spend six to seven figures, so getting a Patek model at a few thousand pounds seem like a bargain.
1. Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 6119R
Introduced in 1932, the Calatrava is Patek Philippe’s lineup of elegant and understated watches, characterised by slim round cases, appealing proportions, and neat dials. Although Calatrava has welcomed various functions, sizes, dials, and metals over the years, its foundation remains the same: discreet dress watches.
Not many dress watches out there have everything ‘right’ but the Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 6119R is surely one of them. Offered in a charming rose gold case, this model is elegantly sized at 39mm and also very thin at over 8mm high. The main attraction is the bezel guilloched with a ‘Hobnail’ pattern and the harmoniously balanced dial, silvery-grained with striking Roman hour markers in rose gold, dauphine-style hands and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. Running inside is the manually wound in-house Calibre 30‑255 PS.
Specification:
- Case: 39mm, 18ct Rose Gold
- Bezel: Rose Gold guilloched with ‘Hobnail’ pattern
- Dial: Silvery-grained
- Bracelet/Strap: Chocolate brown Alligator strap with square scales
- Movement: Manual Winding, Calibre 30-255 PS
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Power Reserve: 65 hours
- Water-Resistance: 30 metres
- Price: £28,360
2. Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5167A
Launched in 1997, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut, like the iconic Nautilus, is the perfect blend of formal and sport. The watch is smart, subtle, and sophisticated. While the Aquanaut has received multiple updates over the years, Patek has thoughtfully stuck with the formula that works, making only fine refinements here and there, resulting in beautiful timepieces.
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut, reference 5167A, is a sporty option, particularly popular among young enthusiasts for its contemporary appearance. It has a 40.8mm stainless steel case with a rounded octagonal bezel. The black dial has a distinctive embossed checkerboard pattern adorned with applied Arabic numerals, adding to its sportiness. The watch comes on the hallmark-integrated textured rubber strap and houses the Calibre 26‑330 S C/430, ensuring both technical excellence and elite aesthetics.
Specification:
- Case: 40.8mm, Stainless Steel
- Bezel: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Black embossed
- Bracelet/Strap: ‘Tropical’ composite black strap
- Movement: Calibre 26‑330 S
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Power Reserve: 35-45 hours
- Water-Resistance: 30 metres
- Price: £21,200
3. Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1200A
The Twenty~4 collection is Patek’s first exclusively feminine collection, launched in 1999. The watches are stylish companions for modern, active women, intended for use day and night. The Patek Philippe Twenty~4 models boast an eye-catching Art-Deco-inspired design with sleek rectangular cases and chic dials that set them apart from the traditional round ones. The Twenty~4 watches are perfect for those seeking to add a contemporary flair to their collection.
The Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 4910/1200A is made of stainless steel and measures 25.1 x 30mm. It has a blue sunburst dial with gold-applied hour markers, luminous numerals, and white gold baton-style hands. Two vertical rows of sparkling diamonds decorate its bezel, adding glam to this timeless yet contemporary face. This Patek Twenty~4 timepiece is infused with fresh momentum, making it a must-have model.
Specification:
- Case: 25.1mm x 30mm, Stainless Steel
- Bezel: Diamond-Set
- Dial: Blue sunburst
- Bracelet/Strap: Stainless Steel
- Movement: Quartz, Calibre E 15
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Power Reserve: About 3 years
- Water-Resistance: 30 metres
- Price: £13,930
4. Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 7118/1A
Sketched by Gerald Genta, when Patek Philippe released the legendary ‘Nautilus’ model in 1976, it was a groundbreaking move. Collectors instantly loved the distinctive porthole-shaped case design with wide bezel. Today, even a cheap Patek Philippe Nautilus is extremely high-end in terms of aesthetics and price tag. However, if you have your heart set on a Patek Nautilus, you might want to consider the following model.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 7118/1A is a fantastic everyday timepiece that’s easy to wear and even easier to fall in love with. This automatic stainless steel Nautilus is for ladies who effortlessly balance grace with an active spirit. As expected, the watch comes with an instantly recognisable porthole-inspired case, a sleek integrated bracelet, and an iconic rounded octagonal bezel. The blue dial is wave-patterned with gold-applied hour markers and makes a fine contrast against the silvery surroundings.
No matter the model you choose, the Nautilus is one of the most coveted watches in the world. Its desirability worldwide makes it an excellent investment whose value typically appreciates over time.
Specification:
- Case: 35.2mm, Stainless Steel
- Bezel: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Blue Opaline
- Bracelet/Strap: Stainless Steel
- Movement: Calibre 26‑330 S C/435
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Power Reserve: 35-45 hours
- Water-Resistance: 30 metres
- Price: £27,860
5. Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Ref. 7300/1200A
Since its release, the Twenty~ 4 collection has become a fan favourite. Designed for young women who want a stylish yet functional everyday timepiece, the Patek Philippe Twenty~4 watches never seem out of place, hence the moniker.
The Patek Philippe Twenty~4 reference 7300/1200A is among the perfect examples of feminine elegance with its contemporary and sophisticated design. It features a more traditional 36mm round steel case and an integrated bracelet, spot-on for most women’s wrists. The bezel glitters with the sparkle of 160 diamonds and perfectly complements the silver undertones. What enhances the appeal is the straightforward blue sunburst dial with prominent Arabic numerals and a small date aperture at 6 o’clock. Slightly punchy on the price, this high-end automatic ‘everyday’ watch has a lot to offer.
Specification:
- Case: 36mm, Stainless Steel
- Bezel: Diamond-Set
- Dial: Blue sunburst
- Bracelet/Strap: Stainless Steel
- Movement: Calibre 26‑330 S C/435
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Power Reserve: 35-45 hours
- Water-Resistance: 30 metres
- Price: £25,540
Why Is Buying An Entry-Level Patek Philippe Worth It?
The benefits of owning an entry-level Patek Philippe are beyond the pleasure of wearing a luxury timepiece. These watches embody the brand’s commitment to heritage and horological excellence and are more than a mere purchase.
Here are the advantages of adding one of the cheapest Patek Philippe watches to your collection.
- By choosing an entry-level Patek Philippe, you can experience Patek’s expert craftsmanship and timeless elegance without the substantial premiums associated with them.
- Buying an entry-level model is a great way to explore the quality and craftsmanship that have established Patek Philippe as an industry leader.
- Affordable Patek Philippe watches offer standout versatility, seamlessly transitioning between everyday wear and formal occasions. Despite their low prices, you can experience the prestigious status and practical versatility for which the watches are known.
- Market analysis shows that Patek Philippe watches, including the entry-level models, outperform other luxury investments, with some of them even appreciating in value over time. This trend is particularly seen amongst the stainless steel Patek Philippe models and limited-edition pieces.
- Limited production, brand prestige, and high demand ensure Patek Philippe watches hold long-term value. If appropriately maintained, they command premium prices in the secondary market, including the cheapest Patek Philippe watches with original documentation and service history. This attribute is particularly attractive to collectors who appreciate both watchmaking excellence and investment potential.
Factors That Influence The Price Of Patek Philippe Watches
We get it. The pricing of the Patek watches can be too much to begin with. However, given the Patek Philippe watches’ unparalleled quality and exquisite craftsmanship, it only makes sense if they are placed on the higher end of the price spectrum.
For those newbies wondering what factors determine the cost of these iconic watches, here’s the list:
- Materials
Patek crafts watches using valuable metals such as gold and platinum, making them inherently worthy and luxurious. Watches made of stainless steel are still budget-friendly. On the other hand, white and rose gold models typically sit between the yellow gold and platinum ones in terms of pricing. Furthermore, if diamonds are introduced, the prices will elevate to a whole new level.
- Complications
Patek Philippe is known for creating watches with the most complicated movements in the world. These movements, such as Perpetual Calendars, Chronographs, and Minute Repeaters, are beautifully crafted and require great expertise, increasing the prices of the models with complications. This is why watches with automatic movements are more expensive than Quartz pieces.
- Design & Popularity
The particular model and design of a Patek Philippe watch can greatly affect the cost. For example, reputable collections such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus are priced higher than others due to their strong desirability and limited availability in the market. On the other hand, models like Calatrava are more understated; hence, they can be found at an accessible price point.
- Restricted Production
The high prices of Patek Philippe watches are also rooted in the fact that the brand produces only 60,000 watches annually. Patek Philippe deliberately keeps its production levels low to boost demand, guaranteeing that each Patek Philippe watch is rare and valuable. The limited production, coupled with the increasing demand for the sought-after models, ensures the uphill prices of the watches.
Conclusion
Purchasing your first Patek Philippe model is an exhilarating journey as it demands thoughtful research and evaluation to guarantee a rewarding experience.
From the Calatrava’s timeless allure to the Aquanaut’s rugged characteristic, these five Patek Philippe models serve as a getaway to the brand’s extensive history, blending generations of state-of-the-art advancements with tradition.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector seeking a sophisticated yet affordable Patek Philippe piece, these cheapest Patek Philippe watches mentioned above will offer an experience that lasts a lifetime and beyond.
