8018Σ
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3878
A “like-new”, rare and exquisite yellow gold skeletonized wristwatch
- Estimate
- HK$140,000 - 220,000€15,300 - 24,100$17,900 - 28,200
HK$228,600
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1990, Switzerland
- Reference No
- 3878
- Movement No
- 1’239’109
- Case No
- 2’896’331
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 240 SQ, 27 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 31mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1990 and its subsequent date of sale on 15 April 1991, and service hang tag.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
- Patek Philippe’s exquisite ref. 3878 was manufactured from 1981 until 2007. Made exclusively in yellow gold, the model perfectly embodied the essence of the brand, and the aesthetic they seek to achieve. The highly chased and engraved movement became a work of art, with each bridge and plate exhibiting the brand’s exacting attention to detail and hand craftsmanship.
- The art of engraving has long been an important asset in the world of horology and Patek Philippe can be regarded as masters of the craft. Requiring extreme precision and skills, more than two hundred engravers were working in Geneva in the late eighteenth century, but their craft almost went extinct between 1970 and 1980. Fortunately, Patek Philippe, which had given work to these artisans from the outset, continued to do so when decorated watches were no longer in fashion, keeping this precious knowledge alive.
- This reference was Patek Philippe first self-winding skeletonized watch, and only approximately 60 examples have surfaced on the market so far. In 2008, the model was replaced by the ref. 5180/1 “Squelette” with a larger 39mm diameter case and white gold bracelet.
- The present “fresh-to-the-market” ref. 3878 is a rarity preserved in unworn condition and delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1990. It is a masterpiece that allows the wearer to celebrate the artistry and horological excellence of Patek Philippe.
- The art of engraving has long been an important asset in the world of horology and Patek Philippe can be regarded as masters of the craft. Requiring extreme precision and skills, more than two hundred engravers were working in Geneva in the late eighteenth century, but their craft almost went extinct between 1970 and 1980. Fortunately, Patek Philippe, which had given work to these artisans from the outset, continued to do so when decorated watches were no longer in fashion, keeping this precious knowledge alive.
- This reference was Patek Philippe first self-winding skeletonized watch, and only approximately 60 examples have surfaced on the market so far. In 2008, the model was replaced by the ref. 5180/1 “Squelette” with a larger 39mm diameter case and white gold bracelet.
- The present “fresh-to-the-market” ref. 3878 is a rarity preserved in unworn condition and delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1990. It is a masterpiece that allows the wearer to celebrate the artistry and horological excellence of Patek Philippe.
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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