Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XX Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1978
    Reference No: 3604-2
    Movement No: 1'305'472
    Case No: 2'774'326
    Model Name: Golden Circle
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, 28-255 C, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe integrated bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Lenght, 36mm Width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificat d'Origine dated March 12, 1980 and stamped by Italian retailer A. Gallazzi, product literature and red document holder. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1978 and its subsequent sale on January 31, 1980

  • Catalogue Essay

    Referred as the “Golden Circle”, the ref. 3604 is derived from the Patek Philippe Ellipse collection and is one of the largest vintage models produced. Its case features an impressive 36 x 36mm size - while 36mm is a large diameter already in the realm of vintage watches, when applied to a square-cased piece such as this one, the real estate of the watch is even more generous.

    Introduced in 1971, the reference was the first in the model to be powered by the reliable and slim 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 burgundy dials were made by dial maker Singer.

The present ref. 3604 is a previously unknown example which Phillips is thrilled to bring to the spotlight. The presence of the integrated bracelet (which grants the reference the suffix -2) further amplifies its rarity and luxurious allure, and the final icing to this cake is the impeccable dial condition, without a blemish and maintaining a strong burgundy hue.

  • 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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141

Ref. 3604-2
An impressive, delightful and fresh-to-the-market yellow gold automatic wristwatch with burgundy dial, integrated bracelet and Certificate

1978
36mm Lenght, 36mm Width
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 30,000 
€16,000-31,900
$17,400-34,900

Sold for CHF33,020

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88

tto@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XX

Geneva Auction 9 - 10 November 2024