Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1972 Reference No: 3587/2 Movement No: 00’006’000 Case No: 2’699’462 Model Name: Beta 21 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Quartz, B21, 13 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 43mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1972 and its subsequent date of sale on 27th April 1972.
Catalogue Essay
The Beta 21 takes significant importance in the history of horology. In response to the quartz revolution that shook the landscape of the industry in the late 1960s by the Japanese, 21 Swiss manufacturers including Rolex, Omega and Piaget joined forces to form the Centre Electronique Horloger (CEH) and brought forth the Beta 21 movement.
The Patek Philippe Ref. 3587 is the very first model to house a Beta 21 movement and was launched in 1969. Measuring to be the largest diameter and serially-produced wristwatch ever made by the firm, the model weighs a hefty 170grams of 18K yellow gold and was offered at $3500 at the time —higher than the perpetual calendar 2499 at $2500.
Sophisticatedly designed with an opulent appearance, it features a two-tone sunburst sigma dial that shimmers under the sun. Exceedingly rare, the present example bears a matching champagne date wheel and according to scholars, only 90 pieces were made for the present reference 3587/2. Furthermore, the timepiece is fitted with an unusual two layers 18K yellow gold integrated bracelet referred by collectors as the “Swiss Cheese”, believed to be made by a jeweller in Pfrozheim, Germany specifically for Patek Philippe.
Boosting with elegance, the present example is well-preserved and comes with the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives. A quartz timepiece with a gorgeous Aterliers Réunis case and Stern Frères dial, the present specimen is definitely a statement timepiece for the discern collector.
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.
Ref. 3587/2 A very rare, attractive and oversized yellow gold cushion-shaped quartz wristwatch with center seconds, date, two-tone champagne dial and integrated bracelet
1972 43mm diameter Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
