1989 marked an incredible anniversary for Patek Philippe — 150 years in business. 

Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world with an uninterrupted watchmaking history. Few international luxury brands carry the gravitas of their name, and for good reason. The firm's commitment to excellence in horological manufacture is unflinching, and their track record of innovation in design without peer. They continue to lead the industry, and even their fiercest competitors have nothing but the utmost respect for the company.

From the simple elegance of their Calatrava line to the stunning study in miniaturization that is reference 1518 perpetual calendar to the modern reference 5750P chiming watch, Patek’s catalog is chock full of some of the most elegant and complicated timepieces ever made. Family-owned and completely independent, the firm has the freedom to do what it wants — such as discontinue one of the world’s most beloved steel luxury sport watches, the reference 5711 — when it wants.

This particular Patek Philippe is a special piece indeed — a “jump hour,” it has a window displaying a digital hour readout at 12 o’clock plus a single, Breguet-style minute hand to convey the time. Housed in a 28mm x 38mm 18K rose gold tonneau case, it features an 18K gold, signed crown, a sapphire crystal, a satin silver dial, painted Breguet indices, and a factory caseback engraving indicating the firm’s 150th anniversary. It’s paired to a fine, brown leather strap with matching 18K rose gold, signed pin buckle.

With its included attestation and origin papers dated to 1989, this watch is a fantastic little piece of Patek Philippe history — the history of the world’s finest watchmaker, bar none.