Patek Philippe's supremacy among volume watch brands today is almost unarguable, strengthened by its unassailable position in the vintage market. But when were the seeds of this dominance sown? In this episode, Tim Barber advances the argument that of all its 186-year history, one year in particular could be fundamental to its modern-day standing. We delve deep into how Patek Philippe was able to emerge from wartime Europe as the pre-eminent fine watchmaker, considering the social, political and economic context of the age.