Does Patek Philippe Produce Any Quartz Watches? - Explained

After the rise of the Quartz movement watches, Swiss luxury watches got a huge setback! 

Employment in the Swiss watch industry was reduced from 89,450 in 1970 to over 28,000 by 1988. [Source: Hodinkee]

However, did Patek survive the fall? Did Patek Philippe also make quartz watches? 

Well, they did take the fall, but adapted the quartz style and brought a whole new category of it. However, Patek didn’t stop their iconic mechanical style and kept on its heritage! 

History of Quartz Watches in the Luxury Market

By the end of the 1970s, the Quartz Revolution completely upturned the luxury watch market. 

Japanese brands came up with “quartz tech“ into watches that presented remarkable accuracy and were far more affordable than traditional mechanical watches. 

By the decade’s end, quartz watches outnumbered the mechanical ones. The Swiss watchmaking industry had responded late to this new “watch tech advancement” and failed to keep pace.

The Swiss luxury watch industry dealt a massive blow due to the "Quartz Crisis," caused by the rapid rise of quartz watches.

Check Out This Video: The Quartz Crisis: An Economic Disaster that Almost Destroyed and Industry

Patek Philippe's Reaction Against the Quartz Crisis

Patek Philippe was one of the leaders in the luxury segment, and it is no exception as most Swiss companies resisted quartz technology. 

However, eventually, they gave way to quartz technology as well to avoid falling behind in the competition. 

• In 1976, they launched their first quartz watch, the Reference 3700/1. It was housed in a 14 K case with a quartz movement fitted with a battery. 

It ran at a frequency of 32,768 Hz, which enabled the watch to stay within the range of plus or minus ten seconds a month.

[Source: Time and Watches] 

Although this model proved to be successful, Patek Philippe did not abandon its mechanical watch category. Collectors love Patek’s overall mechanical category. As a result, it creates a huge investment opportunity.

Relatable Read: Do Patek Philippe Watches Hold Their Value

A Fighting Comeback of Mechanical Watches

Despite the rapid fall from the Quartz Crisis, mechanical watches came with an unbelievable comeback.

Despite being less accurate than quartz watches, luxury mechanical watches positioned themselves as unique luxury pieces with high craftsmanship. 

Does Patek Philippe Currently Produce Quartz Watches?

Yes, Patek Philippe still makes quartz watches, however, the category focuses mostly on women.

Here are some of the quartz watches Patek Philippe manufactures:

Patek Philippe Twenty~4

[Source: Patek Philippe]

This line for ladies carries a few quartz versions. The watches are timepieces with an elegant design made from rich materials such as rose gold and studded with diamonds.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut 35mm Bleu

This sporty yet luxurious watch has a blue rubber strap and diamond details, making it suitable for any casual or formal occasion.

These Patek watches for women show the level of commitment they put even for the quartz movement. This is also one of the reasons for Patek survived the luxury market even when all other brands faced massive setbacks. 

Patek Philippe’s quartz models give outstanding precision and hold the elegance and “luxury feel” the brand is famous for. 

Relatable Read: Factors Contributing to the High Cost of Patek Philippe Watches - Explained

Patek Philippe Quartz vs. Mechanical Watches

Feature	Quartz Watches	Mechanical Watches
Movement	Battery-powered quartz crystal oscillator	Wound spring and escapement mechanism
Accuracy	Extremely accurate, within ±10 seconds per month	Less accurate, typically -4 to +6 seconds per day
Maintenance	Minimal, just battery changes every few years	Regular servicing is required every 3-5 years
Power Reserve	Long battery life, up to 10 years	Limited power reserve, typically 40-72 hours
Aesthetics	Ticking seconds hand	Sweeping seconds hand

Why Patek Philippe Quartz Models?

Here are some of the reasons why Patek’s quartz has a different fan base: 

•  Extreme precision: Quartz watches suit the particular needs of those clients who like to keep time with extreme accuracy.
• Low maintenance: They are ideal for anyone desiring a guaranteed, reliable, "grab-and-go" watch with minimal maintenance.

• Affordability: Quartz movements allow Patek Philippe to make luxury products more affordable.

• Ladies’ Category: The Twenty~4 family presents ladies' collections of refined taste, documenting their genuineness in sophisticated quartz form.

Why Patek Philippe is Known for Mechanical Mastery? 

Mechanical Mastery and Brand Identity

Patek Philippe is viewed as a brand of uncompromising mechanical watchmaking. Patek Philippe manufactures its parts, including its movements in-house, as the best quality is attained and ensures innovation at its best. 

Its watchmakers are very talented craftsmen who assemble each timepiece by hand and finish them with painstaking attention to detail.

Perception of Quartz within the Luxury Market

While Patek Philippe produces some quartz watches, especially for ladies, the brand focuses on mechanical movements. 

In the luxury market, mechanical watches are highly looked for due to their: 

Patek Philippe watches have always been at the center of luxury watches. Quartz models are also available for those who like precision and ease, but mechanical watches remain at the core with their incredible designs and complications.

Which Patek Philippe Watches Are Quartz?

Here are some of the Patek Philippe watches with quartz movements:

Notable Patek Philippe Quartz Watches

Patek Philippe Twenty~4

Source: [The Hour Glass]

Details: 18ct rose gold case, chocolate dial, diamond-set bezel, quartz caliber E 15.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut

[Source: Wrist Aficionado]

Details: 35mm stainless steel case, blue rubber strap, diamond accents, quartz movement.

Patek Philippe Gondolo

[Source: Patek Philippe]

Details: Some models feature quartz movements, known for their Art Deco designs and unique shapes.

Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Automatic

Details: Primarily automatic, but some limited editions offer quartz versions, focusing on elegance and functionality for women.

Debunking Myths: Quartz is Not Inferior to Mechanical

Myth	Reality
Quartz watches are lower in quality	Many think quartz watches lack the craftsmanship of mechanical ones. However, brands like Patek Philippe create quartz models with top quality and precision.
Quartz watches are less prestigious	Prestige is often linked to mechanical movements. However, luxury quartz watches offer high accuracy and reliability, making them just as desirable.
Quartz lacks craftsmanship	While mechanical watches are famous for their complex movements, luxury quartz watches also come with remarkable craftsmanship in materials and design.
Quartz watches are disposable	Some view quartz watches as less durable. Luxury quartz models are built to last and require less maintenance than mechanical watches.

Quality Standards for Patek Philippe Quartz Watches

Patek Philippe assembles its quartz watches according to the same high standards it uses on mechanical models, keeping quality in line with:

Craftsmanship: Each watch is built in minute detail with quality materials that denote the company's status in the luxury class.

Durability: Built to last, Patek Philippe quartz watches boast robust components and are tested to handle daily wear and tear.

Accuracy: Patek Philippe watches' quartz movements are ultra-accurate, usually within ±10 seconds per month, guaranteeing reliable timekeeping.

The Future of Quartz in Patek Philippe’s Collections

Future Innovations

In the future, as consumer preferences continue to change, Patek Philippe will continue adding more quartz watches to its collection. 

Similar to its line of mechanical watches, any new quartz design will likely boast qualities and standards no different from the brand's. 

Being an independent company owned by a family allows it to be innovative in introducing new models while still retaining its traditions.

Market Trend

Several trends are making a comeback with the use of quartz in the luxury watch segment:

Demand for Precision: The accuracy and reliability of quartz movements are driving more consumers to demand them.

Lifestyle Preference: Quartz watches lure active lifestyles into such because people want low-maintenance timepieces.

Sustainability: Quartz watches could also lure in a luxury audience as brands dive into sustainable operations with the involvement of less energy, requiring less maintenance.

Check out the Tips for Purchasing a Patek Philippe Timepiece

What are your thoughts on the future of quartz watches in luxury collections? Should Patek Philippe expand its quartz offerings? Share your comments and questions below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Patek Philippe make quartz watches?

Yes, Patek Philippe produces quartz watches, primarily targeting a female audience. These watches maintain the high standards of craftsmanship associated with the brand, featuring elegant designs and reliable quartz movements.

What Patek Philippe models use quartz movements?

Here are some of the Patek models that come with quartz movements: 

• Twenty~4 Collection
• Aquanaut Collection

Is a Patek Philippe quartz watch worth the price?

Yes, it is! Just like any other Patek model, the quartz model is also pretty worth it. The prices can range somewhere from $12,480 to over $300,000. 

Are quartz watches less valuable than mechanical watches?

Yes! Usually, quartz watches are considered less valuable than mechanical watches due to their craftsmanship and complexity. This is why, many people prefer mechanical watches to quartz watches. 

Why are quartz watches less expensive than mechanical watches?

There are several reasons why quartz watches are more affordable than mechanical watches. 

• The simplicity makes the quartz movement quite less costly and easier to manufacture. 
• Quartz watches often use less expensive materials and the designs are also pretty simple. 

What are some famous quartz watches from Patek Philippe?

Twenty~4 and Aquanaut collections are two of the most famous quartz watches from Patek Philippe. These collections come with pretty unique designs and high-end materials. 

Are quartz watches still relevant in luxury horology today?

Yes, quartz watches are still relevant in the luxury watch market. They are quite appreciated for their reliability and precision, and brands like Patek Philippe continue to produce quartz models.