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Patek Philippe

Ref. 3604

A large and impressive yellow gold automatic wristwatch with date and blue sunburst dial

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Referred as the “Golden Circle”, the ref. 3604 derives from the Patek Philippe Ellipse collection and is one of the largest vintage models produced with a case measuring 36mm width x 36mm length. Introduced in 1971, the reference was the first in the model to be powered by the reliable and slim Geneva Seal-stamped self-winding cal. 28-255 C, which would later be used in the Nautilus ref. 3700. Manufactured only in 18K white gold or yellow gold, it is estimated that only about 1,900 examples of the reference were produced from 1971 to 1980. The model was available with various dial options predominantly made by dial maker Stern Frères. However, blue and brown dials were made by dial maker Singer.

The present ref. 3604 encased in yellow gold features a flawless blue sunburst dial and the case as well fully displays its generous proportions without any softening. In fact, a very finely hand-engraved number is present on the back of the case body (34015 - most likely the original retailer's stock number). The excellent condition of a detail so sensitive to polishing further highlight the overall superior quality of this timepiece.

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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