Patek Philippe is widely regarded as the most prestigious luxury watchmaker in the industry. Begun in 1839 in Geneva as a pocket watch company, the Patek Philippe Company has a long and flourishing history of watch innovation, including being the first company to add the chronograph, the minute repeater, the perpetual calendar, and the split-seconds hand into the wristwatch. Royal Patek Philippe clients include Prince Albert, Christian IX, Hussein Kamel of Egypt, Princess Louise of Denmark, Queen Victoria and Victor Emmanuel III of Italy.