Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1992
    Reference No: 3900/1G
    Movement No: 1’556’618
    Case No: 2’930’364
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Quartz, cal. E23 SC, 8 Jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 32mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present example with sunburst matte black ribbed dial with 11 diamond hour-markers and its subsequent sale on June 21, 1993
    Literature: Caliber E23 is illustrated in Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, Patek Philippe Wristwatches, pp. 337-8

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present example belongs to the reference 3900 which was in production for only a very short period. Traditionally, scholars and researchers have only recognized the reference 3900 in stainless steel, steel & yellow gold, yellow gold, and platinum. It is the first example of reference 3900 in 18K white gold which appears to the public.

    Our research shows that the production of reference 3900/1G was very confidential, and the watch was very likely a custom order. The watch is fitted with sunburst matte black ribbed dial, lavishly adorned by 11 diamond hour-markers — the dial configuration that is usually reserved for its platinum examples. The 18K white gold case material, dial configuration and production year are all confirmed by Patek Philippe’s Extract from the Archives, demonstrating that the watch is all original. The case has never been polished and the hallmarks are crisp and clear.

    The present lot, fresh to the market and from the original owner, exhibits full and bold proportions and is in really exceptional condition.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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979

Ref. 3900/1G
A very rare and the first publicly known white gold quartz wristwatch with date, center seconds and diamond hour markers

1992
32mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 120,000 
€9,000-13,500
$10,300-15,400

Sold for HK$250,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019