Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe has made even the test of time itself appear graceful and elegant. Founded in 1845 by Count Antoine Norbert de Patek, Patek Philippe has since continued to innovate each year, from its first (a minute-repeating pocket watch) to its last (a watch that can replicate the chimes of Big Ben, calculate the phases of the moon, and follow the changing date of Easter). Far beyond even the fanciest Rolex -- a basic Patek Philippe runs about $17,000, and that's without the company's renowned "complications." Watches are sold through specialty dealers worldwide, such as Tiffany, Tourneau, and Henri Stern. The Charles and Jean Stern family has owned Patek Philippe for some 50 years.