Patek Philippe Museum

Geneva, Switzerland

Patek Phillipe Museum is noble and prestigious private museum mapping the history of luxury watchmaking, since 16th century up to present. Huge collection of precious clocks and watches make the visit of museum artistic experience.

Antoni Patek was Polish watchmaking pioneer, who settled in Switzerland in 1834, after career in millitary. Interested in art and trading, with good connections in Paris, he soon got into luxury watch trading and watch production. In 1839, Patek together with his partner Franciszek Czapek, (who was also Polish immigrant) created their first watchmaking company, Patek, Czapek & Co.

In 1844, Adrien Philippe presented his invention of mechanism for watches on the French Industrial Exposition, which won him the first price. There he met Antoni Patek, who invited him to Geneva and soon employed him as the head watchmaker of the now renamed company, Patek, Philippe & Co, entitling him for 1/3rd of the profits.

Switzerland, and especially Geneva region were already at these thimes the hub for high-quality watchmaking. Patek, Philippe & Co merged swiss precision with beautiful decorative making, creating one of the most ultra-luxury watchmaking brand in the world.

Because of the prestigious artistic work and high accuracy of time measurement, they soon become world most popular high-end watches and clocks, reassuring the trend of high quality swiss clocks fame.

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Details

Founded: 19th century
Category: Museums in Switzerland

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Luke Goh (8 months ago)
Free admission with the Swiss pass with lockers to put your things in the basement. No backpacks allowed while on the visit. I found the antique collection on the 3rd and 2nd floor more relatable since I am not a fan of the Patek Philippe watches which are displayed on the first floor. Learning about the history of portable watches and looking at the last specimens that exist in the world from the 14-15th century was a big draw. No photos allowed usually but I couldn't help but snap a few of the more impressive clocks.
Mr P (11 months ago)
An incredible experience showcasing a historic timeline of watch making. Opened at exactly 2pm..on time! Friendly welcome at reception. Be prepared to store your belongings into a locker on the lower ground and no, you are not able to take any photographs. A shame but understandable. For the avid watch fans, perhaps there should be small souvenir shop to make the visit a little more memorable. Note: The staff inside will not smile and appear extremely arrogant. One assumes they feel superior to others in their suits working in such a prestigious location. We are all human, remember that!
Diệp Vũ (12 months ago)
This is a great place but for my experience as a person going many luxury museums, it should allow visitors to take pictures insides. The museum doesnt include only its collection but also various items in the world. In general, nothing negatively affect my experience here.
Stephan Müller (2 years ago)
I really enjoyed this museum. It has a VERY BIG collection of watches from Patek Phillipe's history. You start from the top floor and work your way down. With every floor you get too see almost exponentially more watches. It's incredible how many different designs were made throughout time as styles and fashion changed. There are even some interesting experimental ones. On the ground floor you can see their little workshop. The normal entrance price is only 10 CHF and they also offer a complimentary audio guide in the form of a tablet with headphones. If you have a backpack or bigger bags you have to stow them in their lockers (you only need a coin or can get a free token with the staff). The only thing I thought was unfortunate is the fact that you can't take any photos of the watches/clocks (probably for a good reason).
Agata Fratczak (2 years ago)
Trully sanctuary of watchmaking. Great museum, best of the best. Located in an elegant four-storey building that was constructed in the early 20th century in the heart of Geneva. Here you can admire wonderful collection of watches (over 2000 pcs), jewellery and other beautiful belongings. There is the oldest manufactured watch and the most complicated. How to visit museum: 1. Begin at the ground floor (auditorium), where you can see old horologic machines, watch the film about founders (Antoni Patek, Franciszek Czapek and later Adriene Philippe) and company's history (ca.15 min, english/french). Here you can also see watchmaker during work, chapeau bas master ?. 2. Go to the 3rd floor where is the library and archive. 3. Go down to the 2nd floor, there are the oldest watches (1500-1850) and jewellery and other decorative belongings. 4. Go down to the 1st floor, there are amazing collection of Patek Philippe (1839- present). If you want you can take auto-guide (iPad). Ticket costs: 10 CHF per adult Unfortunattely photo is forbidden, you have to leave bag (even small), camera, mob.phone at cloackroom. In my opinion on of the best museum wherever I've visited.
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