Masterful watches and true luxury that make hearts beat faster describes the watch brand Patek Philippe pretty well. However, contrary to expectations, one of the most famous Geneva brands does not have its roots in Switzerland. The founder Antoni Norbert Patek originally came from Poland. After the revolution in Poland was violently put down by the Russian army, he was forced to leave his homeland in 1831. After months of flight, he then arrived in Geneva and stayed there.
Watchmaking in Geneva fascinated the young Patek and he quickly found his way into the industry. Patek bought high quality movements and had them put into cases. This was not enough for the eager entrepreneur. So on May 1, 1839, Patek and watchmaker Francois Czapek founded the Patek, Czapek & Co. watch manufactory.

In 1844, Patek met French watchmaker Jean Adrien Philippe at an exhibition in Paris. Philippe told him about his ingenious invention: a simple and convenient winding mechanism for pocket watches via a built-in crown, instead of the usual winding by means of a key. Today, it is hard to imagine a watch without a crown. But at the time, the revolutionary applicability of this mechanism was recognized by few. Patek was so fascinated by this stroke of genius that he offered the inventive watchmaker a partnership. In 1845, Monsieur Philippe took over Czapek's role as technical director of the Manufacture.