Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1972 Reference No: 3466 Movement No: 1'112'779 Case No: 2'664'450 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle, signed PPCo. Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the watch was manufactured in 1972, and subsequently sold on November 14, 1972 Literature: For another example of reference 3466, see Patek Philippe Steel Watches, John Goldberger, pg. 354-355
Catalogue Essay
The reference 3466 is an especially desirable watch due to its masculine size, stainless steel case, and timeless, minimalist aesthetic. First introduced to the market in 1962, the model remained in production for approximately ten years before it was discontinued in the early 1970s.
This fresh-to-the-market waterproof wristwatch is from 1972, and features the automatic caliber 27-460, considered by many to be one of the finest automatic movements ever made. Until today, less than 20 examples of reference 3466 have appeared on the auction market. Further enhancing its rarity is its silvered dial with the prestigious Beyer signature, the world-renowned retailer in Zürich. Accordingly, like all Patek Philippe watches sold by Beyer, the underside of the top left lug is correctly marked with the retailer’s internal code – a little known fact amongst collectors.
In exceptional, and most likely unpolished condition, the present example is an elegant wristwatch perfect for everyday wear that is sure to impress both novice and experienced collectors alike.
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.