Production of reference 3418 started in 1958, the exact same year as the launch of the anti-magnetic caliber 12-400. The need for anti-magnetic wristwatches really started in the mid-1950s, with brands such as Rolex being commissioned by the CERN to produce a watch for their scientists. The trend was soon followed by other renowned Swiss brands such as Patek Philippe wishing to offer their clients an accurate timepiece that would resist strong magnetic fields.

The present example is distinguished by the attractive Milanese bracelet and by the rare navy blue dial. Most intriguingly, the hour markers are neither applied nor printed on the dial. Rather, they are carved into it - a detail confirmed by the extract. Such a dial construction adds intellectual interest and aesthetic flair to the piece. While the majority of the reference was fitted with a silvered dial, in very rare instances black dials were known to have been realized. It is however the first time that this watch - which can thus be currently classified as unique - is the first and only example with blue dial and carved indexes to appear on the market so far.