First released in 1960, the Patek Philippe reference 3429 sized at 35mm diameter were available in pink and yellow gold, with a handful of examples in white gold and platinum. Considered by collectors as a milestone and one of the most beautiful movements by Patek Philippe, the reference is powered by the improved calibre 27-460 based on the legendary calibre 12-600 AT made between 1953-1960, the maison’s first automatic movement used in reference 2526 and many others. Both true workhorses, the cal. 27-460 produced from circa 1960-1981 features noteworthy upgrades of a thinner movement powered by a non-guilloche rotor: 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 cal. 12-600, which itself had a series of incremental upgrades through the years.

Understated and sophisticated, the present ref. 3429 from 1963 in yellow gold is preserved in excellent condition and retains its strong hallmark on the caseband. Made by casemaker Wenger, the elegant screw-down case back design with straight downturned lugs and flat bezel celebrates the beauty of simplicity and practicality. 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.