What To Do If You Inherit A Patek Philippe Timepiece

There are many times when special pieces of jewelry are passed from generation to generation. After seventy-five to a hundred years, it is possible that the documentation about the piece is lost. This is especially true of the marvelous Patek Philippe timepieces that provide elegance, beauty, and precision for hundreds of years when they are cared for and properly maintained.

When you inherit one of these timepieces, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure that you are carrying on the fine tradition of the family member that purchased the watch and wants it to continue through the family. The first step will be to find an authorized Patek Philippe agent. This individual has been trained by the company to assess and maintain these unique timepieces and assure that they are properly cared for.

When you have not received any documentation with the watch, have the agent provide the movement number that is inside the watch. You will need this number when you request the history of the watch. You will also need a case number which the agent will be able to help you find.

If, for some reason your watch is not working properly and the agent cannot repair it, they will sent it to the Grand Complications workshop in Geneva, Switzerland. The craftsman at this workshop have the unique ability to make repairs that are uncommon or require special skills that there is no specific training for at the agent level.

The archives have been kept diligently since 1839. With the information about the watch, you can fill out a form and, within thirty days, you can have the full history of your watch. When you receive the archive extract, keep it in a safe place so that your children will know about the watch when they inherit it from you.