Patek Philippe Announces The Passing of Philippe Stern

Born in 1938 in Geneva, Philippe Stern grew up in an environment steeped in watchmaking. His family acquired Patek Philippe in 1932. In the 1970s, alongside his father, Henri Stern, he brought a younger, more modern vision to the company, playing a key role in the launch of the Nautilus in 1976. This watch has become one of the most iconic models of a brand whose manufacture is one of the few to have remained independent and family-owned.

Stern also succeeded in giving Patek Philippe an international reputation, transforming a company producing just 75,000 watches a year into a watchmaking giant valued at between 15 and 20 billion euros.

«Philippe Stern has played an increasingly important role in the management of the company. His numerous trips abroad have helped to raise Patek Philippe’s profile in both existing and emerging markets», explains the Geneva-based watchmaker.

In 2009, in collaboration with his son Thierry, he formalised all the requirements relating to Patek Philippe watches by establishing the manufacture’s own quality label, the Patek Philippe Seal. That same year, Philippe Stern handed over the presidency to his son, before subsequently taking on the role of Honorary President.