Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1966
    Reference No: 3466
    Movement No: 1'115'729
    Case No: 2'649'330
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460, 37 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe tang buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed; dial further signed Beyer
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1966 and its subsequent sale on June 20, 1966.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Fresh to the market, and, according to scholarship, one of very few Beyer-signed reference 3466 to appear publically, the current lot is distinguished by the superb overall condition, the prestigious ‘Beyer’ retailer signature on its flawless dial, and a superb automatic movement - all housed in a sturdy yet elegant stainless steel case. The faceted baton markers gleam as light hits them, as do the tiny silver pearls representing the minute markers.

    The retailer Beyer Chronometrie, founded in 1760 by Matthias Beyer, presently located in Zürich since 1927, has been a preeminent destination for those seeking the finest luxury watches for over two hundred years. Producing their own honey in beehives located on the roof of their exclusive location, Beyer has a world-class watch and clock museum on premises. Having sold Patek Philippe timepieces since 1842, it is natural then that Beyer was one of the few retailers allowed to print their name on a Patek Philippe dial.

    Dubbed by many as “la grande dame des automatiques Suisse,” the automatic caliber 27-460 is the successor to the first automatic movement produced by Patek Philippe, the caliber 12-600 AT, which powered Patek Philippe’s mostly precious metal, time-only watches from 1953 until 1960. When the caliber 27-460 replaced the 12-600 AT, it was upgraded with a sturdier rotor ball bearing, among other adjustments. It then remained in production until 1985, when it was replaced by the caliber 240 with micro-rotor. Most striking is the full 18k yellow gold rotor, beautifully and lavishly engine-turned and quite large. To use such a costly mechanism inside a steel watch was rare for Patek Philippe, and adds to the importance of this 3466. With its timeless style, a relatively large 35 mm case diameter, and its superb state of preservation, the present lot is a rare opportunity for connoisseurs of vintage steel luxury watches.

  • 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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Ref. 3466
A rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with subsidiary seconds, retailed by Beyer

1966
35mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed; dial further signed Beyer

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€17,100-25,700
$21,200-31,800

Sold for CHF33,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018