Patek Philippe Museum

This museum is exquisite if you want to learn the history and get up close to hundreds of beautiful watches from as far back as watch making goes. I easily spent 2 hours there on all four floors. The audio guide is free but you will need a hard copy of phot id. Driving license, passport etc. Security is tight and bags have to be deposited too. Once in it a wonderful insight into watchmaking. I thoroughly recommend. Good value.

You could easily spend a whole afternoon in this beautiful museum even if you are not a watch enthusiast. The exhibition starts on the 3rd floor with a library and some enamel miniature portraits, continues on the 2nd floor with the Antique Collection that displays watches from 1500 to 1850 and it ends on the 1st floor with the Patek Philippe Colletion, that comprises the most iconic watches of the Swiss watchmaker from its foundation in 1839. The ticket costs only 10 CHF and they give you also a tablet as audioguide.

The Patek Phillip Museum is an absolute must for any watch enthusiast. Start on the third floor and make your way down They provide audio descriptions with headphones. However, you can do without them as well. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the history of watch movement. I had a great time all around, hopefully I can own a Patek phillip one day

What a nice discovery. I am not so keen on watches, but visiting Patek Philippe Museum was an amazing experience. I saw all sorts of watches from around the world and impressed by the arts crafts skills watch makers have had over the centuries. But what I liked the most was seeing the patents showcased in the Museum and the Patek's will for his children as these reminded me about why I do certain kinds of works.

We visited this museum on a Sunday. We hadn't booked tickets in advance but this wasn't a problem to purchase on the day. You cannot take bags (large or small) but instead access lockers in the basement of the building (free) where there are also toilets. There were no audio guides available which was disappointing - it meant navigating the significant collection with next to no detail/ description. There are many, many watches in this significant collection, including beyond Patel Philippe, which was stunning but became a bit overwhelming - particularly with no information/ guide. Worth a visit if in Geneva and have a couple of hours to spend on a tourist activity.

A watch lover's paradise! The collection is stunning, tracing the brand's history from its earliest watches to the latest creations, with manufacturing tools and instruments that reveal the artistry and craftsmanship of watchmaking.

The museum has an amazing collection of watches, clocks, timepieces, portrait miniatures, etc. Highly recommended - it was fascinating. Get the ipad guides.

Amazing collection of watches dating from the early 1500's to modern day. Many tools used in watchmaking also on display.

Great museum with hundreds of horological items that can easily constitute a 2+ hour visit. For the price, it is a must-see for any collector. Do note that the vast majority of exhibition text is in French and that the English text is scant (only for major exhibits and introductions to new periods or significant historical events). We did not use audio guides or join an official group tour. Though the exhibits progress from the 1600s to the early 2000s and are genuinely COOL, there is a lack of cohesion or progression and on top of that you're making awkward, jagged turns to follow the ascending numerical order of the exhibits. The space feels completely maxed out. The vast majority of visitors seem to have a truly difficult time following any preset order after turning the first corner of the two most dense floors. Though anyone could enjoy a short visit, it is disappointing that some of the absolute basics of watches that the average person would want to know about (how does a manual wind actually work, what is an automatic movement, what is meant by "complication," what is quartz, tell us more about the pocket watch to wristwatch thing, why are holy trinity watches so expensive, etc) are simply not addressed. The production quality of the video that is screened in the auditorium is DECENT but it ends abruptly almost as if the bureaucrat in charge of its funding just stepped in one day and said to the producer "okay--done!" Compared to the rest of the media put out by Patek, it's not a good reflection of the brand.

For my 3000th review. Super special place. This has got to be one of the coolest museums I've ever seen in my life! If I could get this place 10 stars I definitely would. I have admired Patak Philippe watches in all the fashion magazines for many decades. So this was a huge event for me to be able to come to their museum. The museum is just like their shops, beautiful and elegant, super clean with white gloves. The museum has three levels and you can get an audio guide on the first floor. There's also periodic watch making demos you can join to watch a real live factory technician talk about watchmaking by hand. The amount of gorgeous watches from historical times to now, contains many priceless masterpieces. I especially love the ones with the music box and trinkets that moves. It is absolutely fascinating amazing to see. One of the coolest museums I've ever been in the world. Absolutely recommend!

It is about 5.5 stars Museum. This museum dedicated to watch maker that have 500 years history. This is a famous Switzerland watch maker. They still sell their hand watch. This museum has a lot of their watch collection. I cannot believe that you can create a watch that is in the cross shape. Imagine the gear is round and the placement must be able to fit into the cross. They also carry many mechanical animated watch with movement. Many chest watch is beautiful. Some carry expensive diamonds. Some watch also can measure the pressures of atmospheric condition, navigation and more. Many of them have musical music. Some just look like cucuclock movement.

Unfortunately they are closed for the holiday season. We were not aware of this before we came.

Anyone who rates this museum as less than 5 stars is pure insanity! I was last here about 12 years ago & snapped a few pics - today, they are extremely strict about NO pics & the museum actually requires people to lock up their purses, bags, cameras & phones. There are also people walking around to enforce these rules - so even though my pics are 12 years old, I can confirm those lovelies are still there in their display cases 10 CHF for entrance and there is a 5 CHF coin required for the lockers but you get it back people when you put the key back into the lock....so there is no cost! Stop complaining! We spent 3 hours in here & could have easily spent 3 more - the craftsmanship and artistry that went into these pieces were something to behold. The top floor describes how Patek & Philippe became a partnership and how Howard Stern got into the mix.....never knew there was an association! The 2nd Floor has watches that the benefactors of this museum have collected throughout the ages & these are on display - ranging from the 1600s to the late 1900s, there are miniature watches, bejeweled watches, mechanical watches, animated clocks and anything else you can imagine The 1st Floor houses the works of Patek Philippe and you will see early pocket watches galore to present day designs - fashions for men & ladies & the styles are still relevant today - I'd love to own any of what we saw!! The 0 Floor (the entrance level) houses the early workshop, complete with workbenches and tools of the trade. There is also a video clip in both English & French that covers the history of the Patek Philippe brand and reputation Well worth a visit & if you're looking for true amazement & appreciate fine jewelry & watches, then this is the place for you!

For ballers only: If you are in to fine quality watches this museum offers a tremendous, historical perspective orientation.. Starting from the the very first, earliest known watches to present, each floor is like a time capsule... You can see how styles/fashions changed over time, technology, all that good stuff. You could spend an hour, or three depending on how much you want to get in to it. Any one who is remotely interested in watches I think would enjoy visiting here. If you are a baller, than you really need to come here.

The Patek Philippe Museum is like PP watch: precise, breathtaking and unforgettable. The collection of over 1500 timekeepers is impressive, glorious and, most importantly, timeless. The museum is full of detailed and interesting explanations about the company's history, innovations and techniques. Impressive watch collection. Among the best in the world. If you are a passionate watch aficionado, the examples of the first watches ever made (in the 15th and 14th century), the classic pocket and pendant montres and the modern, complicated chronographs will leave you excited. An extraordinary museum from a legendary watch making house.

The most amazing watch museum we have ever visited. It is a must-see if you are in the area and have even a remote affinity for watches. They have hundreds of timepieces, dating back hundreds of years. When you walk in, they hand you an iPad that helps explain all of the different items and their history. The automated and enameled watches are beautiful and amazing. There are three floors, and each is amazing and very different.

Patek Phillipe Museum will be adored by watch and time fanatics. Time pieces from every era. You will come away impressed by both the art and craftsmanship that go into a watch. Watchmaking was one of the earliest precision manufacturing industries. And the Swiss were and are the best. So you'll appreciate why the Swiss are cultural nutcases about time. Some people will love the beauty of the watches from each era. For me, I loved seeing the tools of a watchmaker, and could imagine the painstaking hours that went into the making of a precision mechanical watch. Today, I look at my iPhone. But it's not the same. For most people, you'll cover 3 floors in an hour. One floor was closed for renovation, so call ahead if something important to you is closed. There is also a video that runs every 30 minutes. Some history and some advertisement for Patek Phillipe. Public guided tours, one in French and one in English, also offered for extra fee. Admission is 10 Swiss Francs or I paid 9 Euros. Better to have paid in Swiss Francs or used a credit card. Closed Sunday and Monday. I took Bus #1 from Geneva Train Station, or use Trams 12 or 15.

Fair disclosure: I adore watches. I have a lot of them. I want more. So, yes, I'm happy to spend hours in a museum where you can't take pictures and can see hundreds of years and millions of dollars worth of human brilliance. But I think that those who aren't "watch fans" might still appreciate the sheer impressiveness of this not-near-the-center-have-to-walk-to-get-there place. The most complicated watch in the world is here - the most complicated ever designed - and with Patek's reputation - even if there is one more complicated in the future, it will be a PP. There's a good video that is a nice intro to the museum worth watching before you head upstairs (I watched it afterwards). Take your time, and make sure you haven't gone to another museum that day before this one. You'll be looking at lots of tiny movements and beautiful details and it's a brain drain :-)

Patek Philippe Museum has a lot of good information to learn about clocks and pocket watches. However without my cell phone to take notes or my video camera to watch later, this old student isn't likely to remember as much as he wish he could. We received a small tablet that only worked on the second of three floors, as it is under development. It was quite good but not nearly as good as the self automated audio guide at the International Red Cross Museum.

First of all, I do recommend this place ! It's a great environment to learn about the history of watches and the displays are truly special. On the other hand, the staff was appalling and in fact extremely rude. From the receptionist shouting at clients, to the guide and her hostile introduction talking to us as if she was already pissed off for having to give us a tour, and finally the very intrusive and impolite security guards... I cannot say I was much impressed ! Definitely avoid going there in a group, as they clearly seem to despise those. In fact it is always more enjoyable to visit anything in very small groups ( 2 to 3 people ).

Today, I learned that Patek and Phillipe are two different people. There's a bust of the each of them on the ground floor of this museum. This museum is a watch-lover's delight. I don't have a profound understanding of watches, but decided to pay a visit (1) for the vicarious enjoyment of my watch-enthusiast boyfriend, (2) because the museum is about five minutes from where I live, and (3) I'd already tried fondue, and Swiss watches seemed like the next touristy thing to do. The museum isn't huge, and it's fairly easy to miss as there aren't any prominent signs except for the banners hanging outside of the front gate. The four-story building is organized chronologically, with the archives and library located on the fourth level, the antique collection (16th-19th century) on the third level, the more modern collection on the second level (1839-present), and a display of watchmaking equipment on the ground level (as well as the aforementioned busts of Patek and Phillipe). I started on the top floor, which was mostly a collection of books. After a quick look I proceeded down the stairs and found myself surrounded by an absolutely gorgeous display of watch-adorned ornaments (or ornament-adored watches?). A picture would speak a thousand words here, as it is impossible to describe the display after display of intricately-engraved pendant watches, decorative pieces jewelry, and even a paper folding fan beautifully painted, studded, with a small watch on the handle. In many of the pieces, I couldn't even tell where the watch-element was. The second floor was where the familiar Patek Phillipe wrist watches began. I've never really had a great appreciation for Patek Phillipe watches, and perhaps it was the way that they were artfully displayed, but I certainly wouldn't mind owning one of those timepieces! :-) The watches were grouped together by collection, and it was interesting to see how the subtle differences were expressed in the dials, metals, and bands in the different collections, while maintaining the classic signature Patek Phillipe look. Pictures are prohibited, and I was told to check in my bag, camera, and cell phone in the lockers downstairs. There weren't a whole lot of people monitoring the floors so I could have probably sneaked a picture or two in, but I decided not to be "that tourist." Also, there isn't a whole lot of description or explanation provided for the displays, so I didn't feel like I actually learned a whole lot about Patek Phillipe. So you'd better be prepared to enjoy looking at watch after watch after watch, albeit, very beautiful ones. If you feel like you should come out of this experience actually having learned something about horology, the brand, and the building, the museum does have guided tours in English. I didn't bother to ask how much the tour would be, as I couldn't find price information anywhere on the pamphlet, and I figured that the lady at the reception would have told me voluntarily that it would only set me back an extra [ ] CHF if it was cheap. After all, she did tell me that the mandatory lockers I was required to use as I was not even allowed to carry my bag through the museum was "only" 2 or 5 CHF depending on size. Considering the value of the timepieces displayed in the building, I think 10CHF is very reasonable even if the building was fairly small and I only managed to entertain myself for an hour or so.

The Patek Philippe Museum features a rather large and unique collection of historical and contemporary timepieces. The museum, which is housed in an magnificent villa, houses not only Patek Philippe watches but also other brands that have historical significance. The top floor holds the archives and a library that has a never ending collection of watch related books. The antique collection is located on the third floor and features timepieces from 1500-1850. The most impressive collection is that of Patek Philippe's own creations, located on the second floor, the collection seems to be never ending. The collection shows a variety of examples of watches that PP manufactured between 1839-1989. Even if you are not a watch collector you would be hard pressed not to be awed by this collection. Definitely worthwhile visiting, when in Geneva.

What a treat for watch lovers or not! Anyone who visited surely will be impressed with the collections they have and the details and history of how it all started . Nice building with 3 floors to feast your hungry eyes. Too bad no photos allowed and your belongings need to be checked in at the basement area before your tour. They offer guided tour with different languages or you could wonder on your own however it is great to hear all the little history or stories behind most famous pieces . It's worthy of your time. It was free when I visited.

Wonderful museum! They have the most beautiful watches I've ever seen. It's for sure a great place to get to know in Geneva. Magnificent building! You have to keep your bags and coats in a locker during the visit and for that you'll need a 2F or 5F coin. You'll get it back after but make sure you have one on you when you go there and have things to keep in the locker. You can't take pictures inside.

9/30/2012 Nice, you but you'll get bored quick. 5 francs for a stupid locker is a rip off.

A never ending collection of unique timepieces commissioned to heads of states around the world. The museum's collection houses over a billion dollars. I would have liked to see more information and history of the timepieces. The 2 films on the 1st floor and 3rd floor were interesting "The Patek Philippe Saga" 2 gentlemen, Patek and Philippe were born in Poland, met and became partners in the business venture. Admission was 10 Euros and 7 Euros for seniors over 65 years Hours are Tue. - Fri 2:00 to 6:00. The Museum was obscure and hard to find. It had blue writing with a small Patek and Phillippe written on the sign with a small Patek and Phillippe was written

Could not have been more impressed with this incredible museum of the worlds most intricately beautiful timepieces truly a site to behold!

Bling bling! Lots of wow factor here - an encyclopedic display of timepieces through all of human history!! The third floor is the most impressive - especially the displays with the singing bird time pieces, and all sorts of other completely amazing and beautifully crafted miniatures. The second floor has lots of beautiful pieces as well, although a lot of it starts to look the same after a while. Still, it's impressive.

Amazing collection of watches and one of the most exquisite museums I've ever been to!

This place is great if you are a watch aficionado. My husband and I really enjoyed our time there looking at their extensive collection of time pieces from different centuries. It was a great afternoon.