Complications
Where watchmaking becomes a discipline
Perpetual calendar, world time, minute repeater, split seconds: in the Complications and Grand Complications, Patek Philippe demonstrates why the house is regarded as the benchmark of Geneva watchmaking.
The evolution of the Complications
In 1925 Patek Philippe built the first wristwatch with a perpetual calendar — a movement originally designed for a ladies' pendant watch from 1898.
In 1937 Louis Cottier developed the world-time mechanism for Patek Philippe, with two rotating discs that display all 24 time zones simultaneously. The Ref. 1415 HU and its successors rank among the most sought-after collector pieces in existence.
In 1941 the Ref. 1518 appeared, the first series-produced wristwatch with a perpetual calendar and chronograph. A steel example achieved 11 million Swiss francs at Phillips in 2016.
The Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010, a unique piece in steel with 20 complications unveiled in 2019, sold for 31 million Swiss francs — the highest price ever achieved for a wristwatch.
- Complications
- Perpetual calendar, world time, repeater, chronograph
- Case
- Round, mostly 38–42 mm, precious metal
- Case back
- Usually sapphire with an additional solid back
- Movements
- In-house calibres bearing the Patek Philippe Seal
- Finishing
- Côtes de Genève, hand-bevelled
- Materials
- Rose gold, white gold, platinum
Key reference numbers at a glance
What to look for when buying
- 01
With complications, service history matters as much as the watch itself. A perpetual calendar or a repeater should be serviced exclusively by the manufacturer.
- 02
The Extract from the Archives is essential here — for vintage complications, proof of original configuration is what determines value.
- 03
Ensure that the spare strap, travel case and setting tool are all present. Missing parts are difficult to source for Patek Philippe.
- 04
World-time watches form their own collecting field with very international demand and correspondingly good liquidity.
Patek Philippe Complications at Predeluxe
Questions about Patek Philippe Complications?
Book a complimentary live call with our specialists. We will explain the process, answer detailed questions and guide you in your decision — regardless of whether the piece is currently available.
We purchase Your Patek Philippe Complications — discreetly, verified and at fair market terms.
Send us a few details about your watch. You will typically receive an initial assessment from our experts in Zurich and Dubai within 24 hours.