Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1967 Reference No: 3485 Movement No: 1'114'956 Case No: 2'645'151 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 31mm Width Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed Gobbi Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1967 and its subsequent sale on May 31, 1967.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 3485 is distinguished by its square-shaped case and automatic movement. With its generous case proportions and large size, the model was incredibly novel and unusual for the period and showcased Patek Philippe's vision for design and innovation.
The present watch is one of four known examples cased in white gold, and the only known example retailed by Gobbi. It is preserved in exceptional condition, with a crisp hard enamel signature on the dial. Furthermore, all hallmarks are intact and legible, showing the little, if any, intervention the watch has seen throughout its lifetime.
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.