FS: Brand new and sealed in box - Patek Philippe: The Authorized Biography by Nicholas Foulkes is the definitive history of the legendary Swiss watch company. Drawing on exclusive interviews with the company’s owners and with staff and watchmakers past and present, as well as on hitherto unseen documents from the company’s archives, this special volume celebrates the history of a unique company. Renowned historian, author, and editor Nicholas Foulkes traces the Patek Philippe history from founder Antoine Norbert de Patek’s early life in Poland as a young cavalry officer fighting in a doomed uprising. He recounts Patek’s exile, his life in Geneva, his meeting with gifted watchmaker Jean Adrien Philippe, and the 1932 purchase of the company by the Stern family who, over four generations, have turned it into the legend that it is today.
Among other notable tales, The Authorized Biography reveals, for the first time, the discovery and story of a unique timepiece bought by Queen Victoria for her husband, Prince Albert. In addition, Nicholas Foulkes was granted privileged access to interview the widow of famed Swiss jewelry designer Gérald Genta, who was responsible for the design of the first Nautilus model.
This 25 chapter book spans 544 pages, and also includes a 40 page reference appendix. Over 600 images are included, including photos unseen before and documents from Patek Philippe’s archives.
“I am very pleased to see the history of my family’s company come to life in this excellent volume. This is the first time that the Patek Philippe archive has been accessed and brought to life in a factual and definitive work. Nicholas Foulkes has perfectly recreated the atmosphere and details of our remarkable journey so far.”
Philippe Stern, Honorary President of Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe: The Authorized Biography is published by Preface, part of world-renowned publisher Penguin Random House.
Price is $900 or best offer via zelle or bank wire, and shipped next day with FedEx.
