Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: Circa 1989 Reference No: 3960 Movement No: 768’983 Case No: 2’863’895 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 215 PS, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 33mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Gioelleria Vaccari, attestation, Geneva seal attestation, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the manufacture, Patek Philippe introduced the ref. 3960 and the Caliber 89 together with other references. Introduced as a limited edition of 2,000 examples in yellow gold, 150 examples in white gold and 50 examples in platinum, the reference was one of the most sought after timepieces from the commemoration series in the market.
Encased in a classic 36mm diameter officer-style case, the white lacquered dial is further charmed with black painted Breguet numerals with a small seconds counter positioned above 6 O’clock. With a hinged caseback, once opened it reveals a beautiful hand-engraved commemoration date for the 150th Anniversary of the firm.
The present example in yellow gold is offered with its Certificate of Origin, attestation, as well as the Geneva seal certificate and presentation box. A truly elegant and understated limited edition timepiece made by none other than 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.
Ref. 3960 A fine and rare limited edition yellow gold wristwatch with small seconds, Breguet numerals, Certificate of Origin and presentation box, made to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Patek Philippe
Circa 1989 33mm diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed