Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1962 Reference No: 3433 Movement No: 1'112'376 Case No: 2'624'209 Model Name: Calatrava Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPCo Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1962 and its subsequent sale on November 16, 1962.
Catalogue Essay
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.
Yet, the the present watch is not just any classic example - it was retailed by none other than the prestigious retailer, Asprey. Founded in 1781 by William Asprey, Asprey has retailed some of the most surprising and unusual Rolex watches of the 20th century. The retailer has been especially known for their glamorous clientele, ranging from the Omani royal family (Asprey held the Sultan’s exclusive Royal Warrant), to celebrities and cultural personalities alike. This is compounded by the fact that Patek Philippe hardly ever grants special orders, especially towards the latter half of the 20th century. As such, the present timepiece is a reflection of the retailer's prestige and exclusivity in the eyes of Patek Philippe.
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.
