Why is Patek Philippe better than Rolex?

As our watch ranking indicates Patek Philippe is in a whole different category when compared to Rolex.  While Rolex is the most well known watch brand in the world, Patek Philippe is at a whole different level of sophistication and class.


Rolex is great because it makes everything in its watches in-house and at the highest level of quality.  They achieved remarkable quality levels even though they mass produce watches.  They build a great product and were very successful to market their brand name worldwide.


Patek Philippe also makes its parts in-house, but they go the above and beyond.  Patek Philippe’s watches are much more refined in terms of detail in the movement and in complications.


For example they polish every part in their movement whether it is visible or not.  Also, they’ve kept records of every watch they made and as a result are the only manufacturer who can restore any of thir watches – even those dating as far back as 1839.  With a Patek Philippe you know you’re getting the finest possible craftsmanship.


While everyone in the world knows about Rolex only those with some horological knowledge know about Patek Philippe.



12 thoughts on “Why is Patek Philippe better than Rolex?

  1. Pierre H Kerbage says:

    Patek IS in the Ultra luxury Category. Some of their watches sell for millions. There is nothing more refined than a Patek Philippe.

    • Admin says:

      While we agree that Patek Philippe is probably the best watch brand in the world making refined quality time pieces second to no other manufacturer, the brand does not get awarded the Ultra Luxury 5 Star ranking due to the number of watches that they make. In other words, it’s due to the lack of exclusivity.

      Specifically, visiting https://www.patek.com/ and clicking “Collections” you will find that there are 9 which is not a lot but factoring in the Models under each collection you’ll find that there are a total of 173 Models. That’s a lot.

      If you were to spend $500K on a watch, how “special” or “exclusive” would you feel if presented with this catalog? https://www.patek.com/en/collection/all-models (keep scrolling down what seems to be a never-ending page)

      Compare that experience with a catalog like a Bexei watch (http://www.bexei.hu/) or a R. W. Smith (http://www.rwsmithwatches.com/watches/ where they only make a few timepieces per year.

      One has to know about what is a quality horological timepiece and be able to both afford the cost of an Ultra Luxury watch and value exclusivity in order to buy an Ultra Luxury watch.

      Put another way, at a social engagement an Ultra Luxury watch will stand out from among the Patek Phlippes that others may wear. Chances are that there won’t be another watch like yours. And for the statistically remote chance that there is another, you’ll both be top dogs and everyone else will not.

      Hope this explanation helps.

  2. Menan Fikak says:

    I own a patek Philippe watch that I was presented when I lived in Saudi Arabia in 1978.
    I need to know its value today. Who should I ask for it’s model and serial number. It is a mechanical watch with a moon phase. I live in Canada.

  3. Chiara says:

    I personally would rather buy the Patek Philippe over the Rolex. Why? Well, first, everyone and their brother has a Rolex, especially where I live. Those in the know will recognize what I’m wearing and quite honestly, I’m wearing it to please myself, I couldn’t care less about what others think. Buy what makes YOU happy, life is too short to worry about what others will approve of.

    • Dylan Neilsen says:

      Why do you want a Patek over a Rolex again? Read your answer & you’ll see that you care about what others think, like most people.

  4. Admin says:

    If you want a rare model yes, you need to be loaded and special. But, Patek makes a lot of models and for the most part if you have $50K you can buy one on Amazon.com or other online retailers. Most people won’t know a) what a Patek is and b) how much it cost and c) not know if it cost $50K or $500K.

  5. Filip Patecq says:

    If you look at the website, yes, but try actually buying the model you want. Unless you’re, like, the Pope or something, good luck.

  6. Admin says:

    Thanks for the comment. The only issue with Patek and why they are not in the Ultra Luxury category is that they make so many pieces which results in a lack of exclusivity. If you look at their website, there are so many watches to pick from. If you have $250K to spend, you have to make that “tough” decision on going with a custom Ultra Luxury watch that most people never heard about or buy a “me too” watch as a Patek. Tough decision!

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