Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Description

    View our Conditions of Sale.

  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1990
    Reference No: 3900/1G
    Movement No: 1’554’916
    Case No: 2’876’071
    Model Name: Nautilus
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Quartz, cal. E23 S C, 8 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 32mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe travel pouch and slip case. Further delivered with the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archive confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1990 with a matte black ribbed dial, applied white gold hour markers and its subsequent date of sale on 14th August, 1991.

  • Catalogue Essay

    A potential glimpse into the rarefied world of Patek Philippe's private commissions, this remarkable ref. 3900 stands as the second known example crafted in precious 18K white gold that has surfaced on the auction market. While traditionally produced in stainless steel, yellow gold and platinum, our research indicates the possibility that the present ref. 3900 was a confidential custom order for an undisclosed client.

    Unlike the inaugural example in white gold sold at Phillips’ Hong Kong Watch Auction Eight in Spring 2019, which was adorned with diamond hour markers, the present example carries gold luminous indices that have aged beautifully and developed an attractive patina. Its dial is a mesmerizing matte black ribbed dial, and its white gold case still retains crisp hallmarks.

    Patek Philippe's Extract from the Archives verifies the configuration of the present timepiece, and its year of production and subsequent sale date - certifying the watch's complete originality. Fresh-to-the-market, this white gold ref. 3900 in phenomenal condition is without doubt a magnificently rare find that offers collector’s a chance to acquire a possibly privately commissioned Patek Philippe Nautilus.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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926

Ref. 3900/1G
An extremely rare and attractive white gold quartz wristwatch with date, center seconds and bracelet

1990
32mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$190,000 - 320,000 
€22,800-38,400
$24,400-41,000

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024