Reference 3992 fully encapsulated the traditional Patek Philippe values of understated elegance. Its elegantly sized 33mm case with simple downturned lugs is granted flair by the hobnail (aka “Clous-de-Paris”) bezel. It was in production for a relatively short time - for a “classical” time only Patek Philippe piece - of 12 years from 1988 to 2000 and it was available in pink and yellow gold.

Beyond its remarkable condition and the presence of the original Certificate, the highlight of the piece is undoubtedly the proud Tiffany & Co. signature present at 6 o’clock. Close examination of the retailer’s signature shows a difference in quality with the Patek Philippe signature. This is because at the time Tiffany themselves would stamp dials in their NY headquarter, a “tradition” that got interrupted when Patek decided to co-brand the watches themselves, in order indeed to maintain the same quality across all graphics. As a result, Tiffany pieces stamped by Tiffany in NY - rather than by Patek Philippe in Geneva - now embody a bygone era and offer an additional level of intrigue to the expert collector.