The Stern family, owners of Patek Philippe, are among the wealthiest families in the luxury goods sector, and its members don’t shy away from spending their fortune on expensive toys. While Thierry Stern, the watch brand’s president, owns a $90 million superyacht named Nautilus, a 285-foot explorer vessel is also linked to an ultra-secretive billionaire heiress of the Stern family. However, the family’s penchant for performance and luxury is also demonstrated by the business jet that Patek Philippe operates.
The aircraft that ferries Thierry Stern to different parts of the world is a Gulfstream G650. The beautiful aircraft with the registration number HB-JFP was recently spotted in New Zealand and Australia, piquing the interest of aviation fans.
The Gulfstream G650 is considered the gold standard in the aviation industry thanks to its incredible performance, range, and comfort. Introduced in 2008, the business jet remains a favorite among ultra-high-net-worth individuals and corporations. Billionaires like Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Larry Ellison all own the Extended Range version of the aircraft.
Powering the business jet are two Rolls-Royce turbofan engines that produce enough thrust to propel it to a top speed of Mach 0.925 (about 704 mph). The jet has a range of 7000 nautical miles (around 8000 miles) when cruising at Mach 0.85, which means it can complete long-haul trips, such as New York to Tokyo or Dubai to Los Angeles, non-stop.
The G650 cabin is designed for ultimate luxury, comfort, and functionality. It can accommodate up to 18 passengers in various configurations, including sleeping arrangements for up to 10 adults. Sixteen large panoramic windows flood the cabin with ample natural light. Furthermore, the G650 features an ultra-quiet interior, making it ideal for relaxation or productivity. There’s no information on the cabin layout of Patek Philippe’s jet, but it features a white exterior with red stripes. Interestingly, the tail features an insignia with only one fleur-de-lis instead of Patek Philippe’s iconic Calatrava cross, which has four fleur-de-lis symbols.
It’s hardly a surprise that Patek Philippe operates a $70 million Gulfstream G650, considering the Swiss watch brand is currently valued at over $12 billion to $15 billion, based on industry analyses. Since the Stern family owns 100% of Patek Philippe, this valuation essentially reflects their family’s primary asset. The company produces about 60,000 watches annually, generating an annual revenue of around $1.5 billion to $2 billion, with significant profit margins, likely exceeding 25-30%. This profitability underscores the Stern family’s fortune.
