Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1963 Reference No: 3429 Movement No: 1’113’069 Case No: 2’629’773 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460, 37 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva seal Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1963 and its subsequent sale on August 29th, 1963.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s caliber 27-460 evolved from one of the most legendary movements of all time, the caliber 12-600 – the brand’s first automatic movement. Compared to its predecessor, the cal. 27-460 features two noteworthy upgrades: the jewel supporting the rotor was replaced by a flatter ball-bearing system, and a redesigned balance cock featuring a new, adjustable balance spring stud carrier. In fact, beyond these differences, the movement remained largely the same as caliber 12-600, which itself had a series of incremental upgrades through the years. The new caliber designation reserved for this final iteration indicates Patek Philippe finally deemed to have achieved perfection for its automatic caliber, and thus gave a new numeric designation to the final evolution.
The reference 3429 was first released in 1960 with research indicating approximately 1000 timepieces were made in mostly yellow and pink gold, with few examples in white gold, and only two known in platinum. The present white gold wristwatch is one of only approximately 15 known, and is preserved in outstanding overall condition. The water resistant Wenger case with screw-down case back exhibits strong proportions, clean edges, and sharp hallmarks found on the case and lug sides. The Stern Frères dial is similarly well-preserved, featuring a raised hard enamel signature, and wonderful sheen. It is interesting to note the reference 3429 is one of only a handful of 1950/60s Patek Philippe models to feature the “PP” crown, including the iconic reference 2526.
The present timepiece from the Ride the Wave collection is a rare, elegant, and classic time capsule of mid 20th-century horology, and is sure to attract collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship of Patek Philippe’s master watchmakers.
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.
