Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1962 Reference No: 3433 Movement No: 1'111'751 Case No: 2'624'639 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460, 37 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1962 and its subsequent sale on March 31, 1962.
Catalogue Essay
There is not much more one could expect from a classic, elegant and timeless watch than what can be found in this reference 3433. The thin stepped case with a dash of “disco volante” playfulness perfectly fits the wrist. With a large 36mm diameter, a silver colored sunburst dial adorned with thin gold baton indexes, this wristwatch embodies the ultimate gentleman’s elegance.
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.
The present white gold example of reference 3433, one of only five known today and is preserved in excellent condition with hard enamel graphics present.
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.