Only serious collectors and enthusiasts are considered for a Patek Philippe.
The acquisition of a Patek Philippe timepiece isn’t an ‘over the counter’ process, so to speak. A customer may have the cash in his pocket but must also possess patience. The Nautilus, for instance, necessitates a two-year wait period! Patek Philippe’s personel will converse with prospective buyers to ensure they truly have their hearts set on the timepieces.
“I have to make sure they are really interested and not someone who will buy a timepiece today and perhaps sell it tomorrow. This is my biggest concern,” confessed Thierry Stern, shedding light on the problematic issue of fraudulent buyers.
Patek Philippe’s timepieces are built to last several lifetimes.
We’ve all heard the catchphrase: “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” Coined in 1997, the successful slogan isn’t merely a sales pitch, but the result of thorough research conducted by a UK-based agency.
“The team travelled for three months to meet retailers, fans, clients and distributors before coming back with the slogan,” said Stern. “When we said, ‘That’s great. How did you come up with it?’ their response was, ‘We didn’t. Though people expressed the idea in different words, your company itself birthed the general belief’.”