936Σ︎

Patek Philippe

Ref. 3878J

Squelette

A well-preserved and rare yellow gold skeletonized wristwatch with engraved case, dial, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

Estimate
HK$230,000–420,000
€25,100–45,700
$29,500–53,800
Live 30 May, 12 PM Hong Kong SAR China Time
Manufacturer
Patek Philippe
Year
1994
Reference No
3878J
Movement No
1’239’268
Case No
2’952’590
Model Name
Squelette
Material
18K yellow gold
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 240 SQ, 27 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
Dimensions
31mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, Registered Guarantee Card stamped Seibu Department Store Kochi Japan, dated 10 September 1994, large leather portfolio, service invoice, instruction manual, product literature, leather folio, cloth, leather travel pouch, slip case, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1994, and its subsequent date of sale on 27 July 1994.
Read Conditions of Sale
GOOD TO KNOW:
- Incredibly well-preserved
- Accompanied by full set of original accessories including additional service accessories
- Recently serviced by Patek Philippe in September 2025 and still under service warranty

Produced from 1981 to 1998, the Patek Philippe ref. 3878 was crafted exclusively in yellow gold, this model encapsulates the essence of the brand and its aesthetic ideals. The highly engraved movement is a true work of art, with each bridge and plate showcasing the brand’s meticulous attention to detail and expert hand craftsmanship. The ref. 3878 marked Patek Philippe's first self-winding skeletonized watch, with only about 60 examples resurfaced so far in auctions.

What makes this particular watch even more special is that it comes with an array of accessories including all its original accessories and service accessories. It is further delivered with an Extract from the Archives, making this example an extremely collectible one.

The present ref. 3878 is exceptionally well-preserved and has recently been serviced by Patek Philippe in September 2025, which means the watch is still under its service warranty. This total masterpiece allows the wearer to celebrate the artistry and horological excellence of Patek Philippe, an opportunity not to be missed.

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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