Before the launch of the Nautilus, Patek Philippe only produced two references that were only available in stainless steel: reference 3418 and 3417. Both launched in 1958 with an anti-magnetic caliber 12-400, they were upgraded with caliber 27AM400 as of early 60s.

The need for anti-magnetic wristwatches 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. A number of features make Patek Philippe’s vintage anti-magnetic wristwatches highly coveted. The movement is shielded from magnetism with a soft-iron inner case, designed to resist magnetic fields up to 450 oersteds. By necessity, the case is designed for maximum robustness using stainless steel and fitted with a screwdown, water-resistant caseback.

Aside from its technical interest, the design of the 3417 is a pure marvel of elegance and refinement. Simply decorated with white gold baton indexes coupled with baton hands and complemented by style-matched Bauhaus 12, the linear and clean configuration of the dial is cleverly contrasted to and enhanced by the handwritten-style of the Amagnetic designation, arguably one of the most romantic and aesthetically appealing of al Patek Philippe production - also in strong contrast with the utilitarian nature of the watch.

The dial design features an evolution, with at least 5 main Series - each one with minor sub variations - known.

- Series 0 dials feature engraved/enamelled graphics.
- Series 1 dials feature a larger second subdial, applied indexes slightly closer to the center of the dial with the underlying baton minute marker eft visible between the edge of the dial and the marker, and the second “I” of PHILIPPE is equally spaced between the L and the P.
-Series 2 dials - such as the present example - feature a smaller minute counter, indexes close to the edge of the dial, and the “I” of PHILIPPE markedly closer to the L than to the P.
-Series 3 dials are the only ones featuring pearl minute divisions rather than baton.
-Finally, series 4 dials feature luminous graphics.

Offered in superb condition of both case and dial and even accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin, the present piece - appeared at auction for the first and only time at Phillips in 2016 - is a remarkable opportunity for the collector of rare timepieces.