The quartz crisis of the late 1960's and 1970's, alongside the development of inexpensive and accurate quartz movements from Japan, posed as a magnified threat and catalyst to the traditional Swiss watchmaking. As a response, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, and Piaget, began researching themselves quartz movements during the years of this "reform" and formed the Centre Electronique Horologer (CEH) in 1962.
In 1969, after strenuous research, the CEH released the Beta-21 movement, which delivered unprecedented accuracy with just five seconds deviation per month. The partnering brands further agreed to limit the production to six thousand Beta-21 movements for the group to share. Patek Philippe went on to further develop and alter the Beta 21 movement, reducing its oscillation rate from 8192 Hz to 256 Hz, through the means of a frequency reducer.
Introduced in 1973, Patek Philippe's reference 3597 was the Maison's second quartz wristwatch and the company's largest diameter wristwatch, measuring an outstanding and imposing 43mm in diameter. The present timepiece from 1973, as confirmed from the Extract, represent, and testifies for Patek Philippe's capacity to remain modern and adapt to fast changing technologies.
With a large cushion-shaped case, and screw-down caseback, the present timepiece has a very modern and futuristic vibe to it. Quite noticeable and present on one's wrist, the timepiece is extremely legible thanks to its gleaming deep blue dial with luminous hour markers and hands.
Presented in delightful and excellent overall condition, this timepiece from 1973 represents a unique moment in history, a period of great radical changes, from politics to fashion - making it a unique opportunity for any serious historian and collector.
