979
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3900/1G
Nautilus
A very rare and the first publicly known white gold quartz wristwatch with date, center seconds and diamond hour markers
- Estimate
- HK$80,000 - 120,000€9,000 - 13,500$10,300 - 15,400
HK$250,000
Lot Details
- 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
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
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.
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.
Literature
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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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