Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: Circa 2003 Reference No: 3878J-001 Movement No: 1'239'447 Case No: 4'225'065 Material: 18k gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 SQ, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Black Patek Philippe crocodile strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 31mm diameter Signed:Case, dial, and movement signed Accessories: With undated Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, leather wallet, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Furthermore with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present in 2003 and its subsequent sale on June 30th, 2006.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe has always been known for its artistry both from its aesthetic design to it high quality calibers movements. The present skeletonized example is a wonderful example where both form and function come together. The chased and engraved case is highlighted by the wonderful design of the movement, which is visible through the sapphire crystals. Each bridge and plate is hand engraved and demonstrates the detail to attention the firm is best known.
The reference 3878 was manufactured from 1981 until 2007, and is only known in the yellow gold version. The present example is in lovely preserved condition. It was serviced by the Patek Philippe and remains in its factory service plastic sleeve. While not a complicated watch in the terms of chronograph or calendar functions, it is a masterpiece that allows the wearer to celebrate the artistic design 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.