Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1962 Reference No: 3428 Movement No: 1’112’817 Case No: 2’626’302 Model Name: Calatrava Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460, 34 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Lizard Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 35.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch in 1962 and its subsequent date of sale on 9th January 1963.
Catalogue Essay
1960 marked the year Patek Philippe replaced the legendary ref. 2526 with the new and improved ref. 3428. The preceding ref. 2526 was the manufacturer’s first automatic wristwatch that was serially produced and therefore held an important position in the history of the brand. Despite being powered by the upgraded cal. 27-460, the ref. 3428 retains much of the design DNA of its predecessor, both in proportions and its classic enamel dial.
The present model is highly collectible as it was produced for only 5 years, in much smaller quantities compared to its forerunner, with an estimate of fewer than 1,000 pieces available. According to our research, the present yellow gold ref. 3428 is fresh to the market and the 18th example known with this configuration. In a world with heavily refurbished watches, this 3428 from 1962 retains strong definition and clean lines to the case and lugs, along with a lovely original dial. The present timepiece will appeal to discerning collectors seeking rare, iconic dress watches.
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.