44

Patek Philippe

Ref. 3433

Calatrava "Asprey"

A superbly attractive, rare and well-preserved yellow gold automatic wristwatch with bracelet, retailed by Asprey

Estimate
CHF15,000–30,000
€16,000–32,100
$18,000–36,100
Manufacturer
Patek Philippe
Year
1961
Movement No
1'111'053
Reference No
3433
Case No
2'614'369
Model Name
Calatrava "Asprey"
Material
18k yellow gold
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 27-460, 37 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal
Bracelet/Strap
18k yellow gold Gay Frères for Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 190mm
Clasp/Buckle
18k yellow gold Gay Frères for Patek Philippe clasp stamped "4 57" and with the British import hallmarks
Dimensions
36mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1961 with yellow gold bracelet and its subsequent sale on September 25, 1961.
Read Conditions of Sale
Good To Know:

- Time only
- Retailed by Asprey
- Features import marks on the watch and bracelet

Reference 3433 was launched in 1960 and was the direct successor to reference 2551. It was fitted with calibre 27-460, newly introduced in the same year. Cal. 27-460 is the new name given to the final evolution of cal. 12-600, considered by many one of the best automatic movements ever made in the entire history of watchmaking.

Defined by its 2499-style lugs, the screw-back case of the model is a triumph of 1950s/1960s design. In the present instance, it is further elevated by the presence of the superbly attractive and collectible Gay Fréres bracelet, furthermore one of the most unusual to be seen on a Patek Philippe wristwatch. It sports three polished “lanes” alternated with two textured ones for an incredible aesthetic impact.

Yet, the present watch is not just extremely well preserved and with such an exquisite bracelet. Most importantly, it was retailed by none other than the prestigious London retailer, Asprey - matching the English import marks on the watch and bracelet.

Founded in 1781 by William Asprey, Asprey has retailed some of the most surprising and unusual Rolex watches of the 20th century. The retailer has been especially known for their glamorous clientele, ranging from the Omani royal family (Asprey held the Sultan’s exclusive Royal Warrant), to celebrities and cultural personalities alike.

Patek Philippe

Swiss | 1839

Since 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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