What makes Patek No 1

[Beyond_Time]

Hi Guys

This is a question in my mind for a long time.
I still didn't get it. I looked at collection from other high end brands
Lange AP VC Breguet Blancpain JLC (other HE brands).
Their watches all have great craftmanship
and innovation. They all have their own unique characters. In this sense they should all
be regarded on the same level. I don't see PP looks better than other HE brands. I don't see
PP watches are finished better than other HE brands. I don't see or hear PP is more reliable than other HE brands. Then why is PP widely regarded as the No 1 or king of watchmaking?
I think PP VC Lange AP Breguet JLC F Journe Parmigiani... are all worth No 1 status. Please advise. Thanks

[Watchbreath]

Words that a lot around here like to use, history, heritage, retention of value ect. ect. With Patek, it's all thru and
it's been that way for a looong time. Unlike some of the others.

[Beyond_Time]

History Heritage and retention of value??
VC AP Lange Breguet are all great in these areas.
if not better than PP. There must be some areas PP does
better than other top brands so to make PP worthy No.1.

[mleok]

History Heritage and retention of value??
VC AP Lange Breguet are all great in these areas.
if not better than PP. There must be some areas PP does
better than other top brands so to make PP worthy No.1.

PP unlike Lange, Breguet, and VC remains an independent watchmaker. AP is also independent, but I have to say that the endless array of limited edition Royal Oak Offshores does cheapen the brand in my mind.

[v76]

All of their histories (except AP and Lange to some extent) have been "re-fettled" by their new owners. Patek Philippe has remained independent and under the same ownership (Stern family) since the 1930s.

I'd say AP has an even more continuous link to its past (the founding families still own majority stake), but as someone else says, their "Limited/Special Editions" have cheapened the brand.

Have you ever listened to the chime of a Patek Philippe Minute Repeater? I will dare you to find more mellifluous tones emanating from any other watch (brand) outside an F.P. Journe. Also, they still make some of the most complex and unique mechanical complications for their watches (even today!).

Under a loupe (under high magnification) I can think of only A. Lange and Sohne watches with a better finish. Patek Philippe has had a continuous history of mechanical innovation, I can think of only Seiko and JLC who hold more patents in mechanical watchmaking technology. They also have a rich history in chronometry competitions (especially pocket watches), their movements are not just meant to look pretty. With the Patek Philippe Seal, they now have the strictest inhouse standards for mechanical timekeeping (+3 to -2s/day for regular watches and +2 to -1s/day for tourbillons).

History Heritage and retention of value??
VC AP Lange Breguet are all great in these areas.
if not better than PP. There must be some areas PP does
better than other top brands so to make PP worthy No.1.

[Spit161]

Have you ever listened to the chime of a Patek Philippe Minute Repeater? I will dare you to find more mellifluous tones emanating from any other watch (brand) outside an F.P. Journe.

+1. Simply amazing sound.

cheers.

[BenL]

All of their histories (except AP and Lange to some extent) have been "re-fettled" by their new owners. Patek Philippe has remained independent and under the same ownership (Stern family) since the 1930s.

I'd say AP has an even more continuous link to its past (the founding families still own majority stake), but as someone else says, their "Limited/Special Editions" have cheapened the brand.

Have you ever listened to the chime of a Patek Philippe Minute Repeater? I will dare you to find more mellifluous tones emanating from any other watch (brand) outside an F.P. Journe. Also, they still make some of the most complex and unique mechanical complications for their watches (even today!).

Under a loupe (under high magnification) I can think of only A. Lange and Sohne watches with a better finish. Patek Philippe has had a continuous history of mechanical innovation, I can think of only Seiko and JLC who hold more patents in mechanical watchmaking technology. They also have a rich history in chronometry competitions (especially pocket watches), their movements are not just meant to look pretty. With the Patek Philippe Seal, they now have the strictest inhouse standards for mechanical timekeeping (+3 to -2s/day for regular watches and +2 to -1s/day for tourbillons).

Well said.

[Beyond_Time]

All of their histories (except AP and Lange to some extent) have been "re-fettled" by their new owners. Patek Philippe has remained independent and under the same ownership (Stern family) since the 1930s.

I'd say AP has an even more continuous link to its past (the founding families still own majority stake), but as someone else says, their "Limited/Special Editions" have cheapened the brand.

Have you ever listened to the chime of a Patek Philippe Minute Repeater? I will dare you to find more mellifluous tones emanating from any other watch (brand) outside an F.P. Journe. Also, they still make some of the most complex and unique mechanical complications for their watches (even today!).

Under a loupe (under high magnification) I can think of only A. Lange and Sohne watches with a better finish. Patek Philippe has had a continuous history of mechanical innovation, I can think of only Seiko and JLC who hold more patents in mechanical watchmaking technology. They also have a rich history in chronometry competitions (especially pocket watches), their movements are not just meant to look pretty. With the Patek Philippe Seal, they now have the strictest inhouse standards for mechanical timekeeping (+3 to -2s/day for regular watches and +2 to -1s/day for tourbillons).

Personally I own a patek 5127 in WG. I love the beautiful sound from the rotor. This is
the only thing I found patek better than other brands. The movement 324SC has a PP seal but runs about +4 seconds/day. I have no complaints. but a little unhappy about it not within -3 to +2 range. Thank you for all the opinions.

[celter]

I donīt consider PP number 1. Maybe they are number 1 of the Swiss manufacturers with a certain production number. But if you look at the finishing of a PP movement compared to a f.ex. Philippe Dufour, the difference is striking, and not in PPs favour.
I consider Lange as the number one "relatively high volume" manufacturer. But they are not a swiss company.

[Stensbjerg]

To me PP is no way near number one

VC is a head if we are talking history with (what I belive) is a longer and better one
Lange is a head if we are talking mekanik for ex are PP today using a chemical polishing as many cheaper brands where Lange use real hand polish.
(there is nothing wrong with thats polish as longe as you don't take the prices PP do)

One of my watch friend thats talks with some really serious people in the industry have been told that today PP really living a lot on the name
so to me Lange and VC are at the top today with a small advantage to Lange.