When Patek Philippe introduced the Twenty~4 in 1999, it was a watch with a clear mission: to be the ultimate companion for modern women. Unlike many of the brand’s grand complications or vintage-inspired dress watches, this was a timepiece designed for versatility—something that could move effortlessly from day to night, from the office to an evening out.

At a time when women’s watches often leaned more toward ornamental jewelry than functional timepieces, the Twenty~4 offered something different. It was practical, sophisticated, and unmistakably Patek. But more than two decades later, the collection has evolved, proving that even a watch designed for everyday wear can have a rich and compelling history.

A Watch for Every Hour

The idea behind the Twenty~4 was simple: a watch that fit seamlessly into the lifestyle of a woman who needed something both elegant and effortless. Patek Philippe took inspiration from classic cuff bracelets and created a sleek, manchette-style case that curved gracefully around the wrist. The integrated bracelet, the polished surfaces, the diamond-set bezel—every detail was considered to ensure it had presence without being overbearing.

And then, of course, there was the movement. Patek went with a quartz caliber for the original Twenty~4, a choice that might seem unconventional given the brand’s mechanical legacy. But it made sense. The goal was practicality—something a woman could wear every day without worrying about winding or power reserves. A watch designed for real life, not just for collectors.

A Statement in Steel and Diamonds

While Patek Philippe is known for its high-complication watches, the Twenty~4 was different. It was luxury, but in a way that felt refreshingly wearable. The first models were produced in stainless steel, set with diamonds—an unusual combination at the time. Steel gave it a modern, understated look, while the diamonds ensured it still felt special.

That balance between casual and formal, between practicality and elegance, is what made the Twenty~4 such a success. It was a watch that felt just as at home with a crisp white shirt as it did with an evening gown. The message was clear: this wasn’t a timepiece that needed an occasion. It was made for every moment.

The Shift to Mechanical Movements

For nearly 20 years, the Twenty~4 remained unchanged—why mess with something that worked? But in 2018, Patek Philippe introduced the Twenty~4 Automatic, and suddenly, everything shifted. The rectangular case was replaced with a more traditional round profile, and most significantly, the quartz movement was swapped for an in-house automatic caliber.

This was a reflection of something bigger: the growing interest in mechanical watches among female collectors. More and more, women weren’t just buying watches for their aesthetics—they cared about the movements, the finishing, the craftsmanship. The new Twenty~4 still carried the DNA of the original, but with an added layer of horological depth.

A Timeless Design That Keeps Evolving

What makes the Twenty~4 so interesting isn’t just how it started—it’s how it has continued to evolve. Some watches feel frozen in time, but this collection has shifted with the needs and tastes of its audience. It has embraced mechanical movements without abandoning its original quartz identity. It has refined its aesthetic while maintaining the versatility that made it special in the first place.

And through it all, it has remained unmistakably Patek Philippe. The finishing, the detailing, the effortless elegance—it’s all there, whether in steel or rose gold, quartz or automatic.

‍

About Bezel

Bezel is the top-rated marketplace for buying and selling luxury watches. We give you access to tens of thousands of the most collectible watches from the world's top professional sellers and private collectors. Every watch sold goes through our industry-leading in-house authentication process, so you can buy, sell, and bid with confidence.
‍
Download the Bezel app on the iOS App Store or start searching for your next watch today at getbezel.com.

‍

‍