Patek Philippe was at the forefront of quality workmanship and timeless elegance with pocket watches as their main selling product until the rise of wristwatches in the early 20th-century. Before the advent of the wristwatch, pocket watches were the sole transportable mode to tell time, ranging from the basic time-only to complicated timepieces, like the perpetual calendar. Pocket watches in the 19th century, and early 20th century, similar to the wristwatch today, made the man.

While they are seen more as a novelty item in the 21st century, these horological gems are the precursor to the wristwatches that are so sought-after in the modern era. Patek Philippe’s historical excellence in craftsmanship is reflected in their perpetual calendar complication found on many of the most important wristwatches produced by the brand.