842Σ
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3878J-001
Squelette
A "new-old-stock" and rare yellow gold skeletonized wristwatch with Certificate of Origin and presentation box – single-factory-sealed
- Estimate
- HK$200,000 - 400,000€22,100 - 44,200$25,600 - 51,300
HK$444,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- Circa 2006
- Reference No
- 3878J-001
- Movement No
- 1’239’351
- Case No
- 4’225’060
- Model Name
- Squelette
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 240 SQ Aut., 27 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 31mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped King Fook Jewellery, Hong Kong dated 6th December 2006, instruction manual, product literature, leather folio, hang tag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s Squelette reference 3878 was produced from 1981 until 1998. Crafted exclusively in 18K yellow gold, this model perfectly embodies the brand's essence and aesthetic vision. The highly chased and engraved movement transforms into a work of art, with each bridge and plate showcasing the brand’s meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.
This model was Patek Philippe's first self-winding skeletonized watch, and research indicates that only around 60 examples have resurfaced at auctions. In 2008, it was succeeded by the reference 5180/1 “Squelette”, featuring a larger 39mm case and a white gold bracelet.
What makes this particular watch even more special is that the original owner purchased it in 2006, eight years after the reference was discontinued. This piece has been kept in either the Patek Philippe factory or at the retailer since then. Preserved in factory-single seal, brand new condition, the present reference 3878 comes with a complete set of accessories, including the Certificate of Origin and presentation box. It is undoubtedly a masterpiece that allows the wearer to celebrate the artistry and horological excellence of Patek Philippe.
This model was Patek Philippe's first self-winding skeletonized watch, and research indicates that only around 60 examples have resurfaced at auctions. In 2008, it was succeeded by the reference 5180/1 “Squelette”, featuring a larger 39mm case and a white gold bracelet.
What makes this particular watch even more special is that the original owner purchased it in 2006, eight years after the reference was discontinued. This piece has been kept in either the Patek Philippe factory or at the retailer since then. Preserved in factory-single seal, brand new condition, the present reference 3878 comes with a complete set of accessories, including the Certificate of Origin and presentation box. It is undoubtedly 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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