Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1971
    Reference No: 3587/1
    Movement No: 00'005'824
    Case No: 2'699'614
    Model Name: "Beta 21"
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Electroquartz, Beta 21, 13 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k white gold Patek Philippe integrated mesh bracelet, measuring 205mm. max.
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold concealed buckle
    Dimensions: 43mm. Wide
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of manufacture in 1971 and subsequent sale on June 18, 1971

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the 1970s the Swiss watch industry was almost wipped out by the tidal wave of cheap quartz watches coming from Japan. However, one should not forget that the quartz technology was in fact considered in the late 1960s as being an advanced and forward thinking alternative to mechanical watches by introducing greater precision.

    In 1962 Patek Philippe along with 19 other brands including Rolex, Omega and Piaget set up the CEH (Centre Electronique Horloger) to undertake research and development of a high end Swiss quartz movement. In 1966 the Beta-1 was introduced followed three years later by the now iconic and ground breaking Beta-21 in 1969, this movement was accurate to a ground breaking five seconds per month. It was agreed amongst the 20 brands that only 6000 movements would be produced and shared among them.

    Patek Philippe introduced the reference 3587/1 in 1970 a watch that surprises by its pure machismo power and sheer weight of 194 grams! The large angular case is an ode to 70s cool, it is both edgy and sophisticated. The present lot is part of an ultra rare production run of which scholarship estimates only 18 were made in white gold.

    In spectacular condition, the present lot not only represents a piece of horological history but is also a testament of a period where brands were going from euphoria to distress and back.

  • Artist Biography

    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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111

Ref. 3587/1
A rare and attractive oversized white gold cushion shaped electronic wristwatch with center seconds, date and bracelet

1971
43mm. Wide
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 
€23,200-46,300
$24,800-49,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017