Since 1839, Patek has been considered by enthusiasts, collectors and experts to be one of the very top watchmaking manufacturers, producing the most sought after timepieces in the world. The company known as Patek Philippe was founded in Geneva in 1839, by an exiled Polish Nobleman. Count Antoine Norbert de Patek and his compatriot Fran�ois Czapek. The earliest Patek Philipee watches were Czapek and Co signed until 1845 when Czapek left the association. Several years after Patek Philippe was joined by the French clock and watch maker, Jean Adrien Philippe, who later became the inventor of their famous stem-rolling up and hand placing the mechanism, a modern and reliable concept.