Patek Philippe

History

Founded in Geneva by Antoine Norbert de Patek and Adrien Philippe, Patek Philippe has remained one of the last great independents. Its watches are routinely the most expensive timepieces ever sold at auction. The maison's manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates is the spiritual home of the perpetual calendar.

Cultural significance

You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation — the most quoted advertising slogan in horology.