Patek Philippe - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1997
    Reference No: 3878J
    Movement No: 1’239’444
    Case No: 2'992'764
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 SQ, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe clasp
    Dimensions: 31mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Turgeon-Raine, and dated November 12, 1998, fitted presentation box, product literature and outer packaging. Further accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1997, and its subsequent sale on June 9th, 1998.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s exquisite reference 3878 was manufactured from 1981 until 2007. Made exclusively in 18 karat yellow gold, the model perfectly embodied the essence of the brand, and the aesthetic they seek to achieve. The highly chased and engraved movement became a work of art, with each bridge and plate exhibiting the brand’s exacting attention to detail and hand craftsmanship. This was Patek Philippe first self-winding skeletonized watch, and research indicates only approximately 500 examples were produced. In 2008, the model was replaced by the reference 5180/1 “Squelette” with a larger 39mm diameter case and white gold bracelet.
    The present reference 3878 is in near new old stock condition, probably only worn less than a handful of times. The watch is fresh-to-the-market, and is accompanied by the original Certificate of Origin and presentation box. It is interesting to note the original owner stated on its Certificate of Origin is a silicon valley innovator, known to have a total of 48 patents invented by him or with partners for Microsoft Corporation. While not a complicated watch, it is a masterpiece that allows the wearer to celebrate the artistry and horological excellence of Patek Philippe.

  • 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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Σ129

Ref. 3878J
A rare and very fine skeletonized wristwatch with Certificate of Origin, and presentation box

1997
31mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF18,300-36,700
€17,000-33,900
HK$155,000-310,000

Sold for $44,100

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020