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Patek Philippe
Ref. 3417
Amagnetic
An extremely well-preserved and important stainless steel “antimagnetic” wristwatch with Cornu & Co. bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
• Extremely well-preserved
• Rare, early model with Amagnetic signature
• Fitted with original belt-style bracelet by Cornu & Co. made specifically for the 3417
• Featured in John Goldeberger's Patek Philippe Steel Watches
The reference 3417, made exclusively in stainless steel, was released in 1958 as Patek Philippe’s first serialized “anti-magnetic” wristwatch. The movement featured a soft iron inner shield called a Faraday cage to protect the escapement. The brand marketed the watch as “Amagnetic” which was often printed on the dial like the present example. This reference 3417 was first offered in public in 2009 and has remained in the same important American collection for the last 16 years. An outstanding example of the model, it is prominently featured in John Goldberger’s tome “Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Watches”, illustrating its importance and quality.
Preserved in superb condition with a crisp, and most probably unpolished case, it also features a rare Cornu & Co. stainless steel bracelet. Similar in quality to Gay Frères, Patek Philippe sourced bracelets from external vendors and this well-preserved stainless steel belt bracelet is original to the reference. It is interesting to note that the maker’s hallmark on the inside of the buckle is spelled backwards as “UNROC”. The "type 1" dial (as documented by scholar Mstanga) is in equally superb, original condition with strong signature and “Amagnetic” designation.
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.