Philippe Stern, former president of Patek Philippe and one of the most influential figures in modern watchmaking, passed away on June 15, 2026, at the age of 88. Robb Report Philippines joins the global horological community in remembering his extraordinary contributions to the craft and culture of watchmaking. It was always hard not to be in awe of meeting Mr. Philippe Stern. He was, when I first met him, the head of Patek Philippe, and at the time he was making many changes at the family-owned independent Geneva watch house. Yet he was also remarkably disarming and friendly. Collectors at the highest level would often find themselves in circles where they might meet him, but it was in getting to know him a little better that you saw things that made everything seem more casual while, at the same time, making you realize how important he really was to the..
