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Patek Philippe
Ref. 4397/1
A possibly unique yellow gold, coral and diamond-set wristwatch with matching coral bracelet and certificate of origin
Full-Cataloguing
- Possibly unique bracelet watch with coral and diamonds-set throughout, the only known example
- Reflects how Patek Philippe responded to the quartz crisis by outputting creative and unusual designs
- Accompanied by original accessories
The 1970s were a time of incredible creative turmoil and vibrancy. It was an era that demonstrated exactly how Patek Philippe responded to the Quartz Crisis and shifting cultural aesthetics with bold, sculptural watch designs that emphasized mechanical excellence and artistic expression. Rather than fully embracing quartz technology, Patek focused on ultra-thin mechanical movements (e.g. calibre 240) and created watches that blurred the line between horology and jewellery. The concept of “continuous design,” where the dial and bracelet form a seamless visual unit, became a hallmark of the era.
The present watch, reference 4397/1, is a possibly unique creation that merges jewellery and watchmaking in the best possible way. Strikingly unconventional, the present timepiece is a bold expression of the creativity and flamboyance of its time. Likely commissioned by a distinguished client, the coral-set dial and bracelet form a visually captivating ensemble, while the festoon of diamonds provides an incredible visual impact.
As an even nicer touch, it is accompanied by its Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Orologeria Oreficeria Somazzi, Lugano, an Extract from the Archives confirming the manufacture of the present watch with salmon coral dial, yellow gold, coral and diamond bracelet, a total of 248 diamonds of approx. 3.32 cts, in 1978 and its subsequent sale on 20 December 1985, and a GGTL laboratory certificate.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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.