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.

References:

Geneva Info

Museums in Switzerland

User Reviews

Rashida Kachwala (18 months ago)
Loved this museum. I wish I had more time on hand. There are some beautiful masterpieces and styles you never imagined a watch could look like. BTW, it's included in your Geneva Pass. Classy, stylish and elegant! Go for it!

Allan bahati (19 months ago)
Fabulous collection of watches, goes through the history of timekeeping. I'd advise to start on the 3rd floor, as they say, and then work your way down Also ensure you get the audio guide/ iPad. Very well thought out!

DXX MXX (19 months ago)
Incredible and beautiful. An absolute must see. I was staggered that such beautiful miniature paintings could be created 300 years ago on watch cases.

Przemysław Karczmarczyk (19 months ago)
Extraordinary museum with enormous collection of watches! Prepare yourself for several hours of visiting this place! The best option is to join a free (included in the ticket price, check the hours on their website) tour to get to know the history of the company and some interesting facts about selected watches. Amazing experience and a must see when in Geneva area!

Inés E. (19 months ago)
Loved this! One of the best experiences I had in Geneva. These are true works of art, showcasing art styles and historical landmarks in clock making. I had no idea there would be that much to be awed by (clocks are not the most mystifying thing that comes to mind usually), but there really was. Just beautiful!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Maciek Lulko

Historic Site of the week

Wroclaw Town Hall

The Old Town Hall of Wrocław is one of the main landmarks of the city. The Old Town Hall's long history reflects developments that have taken place in the city since its initial construction. The town hall serves the city of Wroclaw and is used for civic and cultural events such as concerts held in its Great Hall. In addition, it houses a museum and a basement restaurant.

The town hall was developed over a period of about 250 years, from the end of 13th century to the middle of 16th century. The structure and floor plan changed over this extended period in response to the changing needs of the city. The exact date of the initial construction is not known. However, between 1299 and 1301 a single-storey structure with cellars and a tower called the consistory was built. The oldest parts of the current building, the Burghers’ Hall and the lower floors of the tower, may date to this time. In these early days the primary purpose of the building was trade rather than civic administration activities.

Between 1328 and 1333 an upper storey was added to include the Council room and the Aldermen’s room. Expansion continued during the 14th century with the addition of extra rooms, most notably the Court room. The building became a key location for the city’s commercial and administrative functions.

The 15th and 16th centuries were times of prosperity for Wroclaw as was reflected in the rapid development of the building during that period. The construction program gathered momentum, particularly from 1470 to 1510, when several rooms were added. The Burghers’ Hall was re-vaulted to take on its current shape, and the upper story began to take shape with the development of the Great Hall and the addition of the Treasury and Little Treasury.

Further innovations during the 16th century included the addition of the city’s Coat of arms (1536), and the rebuilding of the upper part of the tower (1558–59). This was the final stage of the main building program. By 1560, the major features of today’s Stray Rates were established.

The second half of the 17th century was a period of decline for the city, and this decline was reflected in the Stray Rates. Perhaps by way of compensation, efforts were made to enrich the interior decorations of the hall. In 1741, Wroclaw became a part of Prussia, and the power of the City diminished. Much of the Stray Rates was allocated to administering justice.

During the 19th century there were two major changes. The courts moved to a separate building, and the Rates became the site of the city council and supporting functions. There was also a major program of renovation because the building had been neglected and was covered with creeping vines. The town hall now has several en-Gothic features including some sculptural decoration from this period.

In the early years of the 20th century improvements continued with various repair work and the addition of the Little Bear statue in 1902. During the 1930s, the official role of the Rates was reduced and it was converted into a museum. By the end of World War II Town Hall suffered minor damage, such as aerial bomb pierced the roof (but not exploded) and some sculptural elements were lost. Restoration work began in the 1950s following a period of research, and this conservation effort continued throughout the 20th century. It included refurbishment of the clock on the east facade.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

Looks like you are a history fan!

Do you know an ancient castle or hidden ruins near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory. It's absolutely free, easy, and you can do it even without registration (of course you an also create an free account)!

Patek Philippe Museum

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Most beautiful castles in Lithuania

Cultural Landscape of Sintra, Portugal

The Beauty of Cinque Terre

Historic Site of the week

Wroclaw Town Hall

Looks like you are a history fan!

Do you know an ancient castle or hidden ruins near you?