Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1967 Reference No: 3466 Movement No: 1'115'874 Case No: 2'662'641 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Gay Frères bracelet, max length 200mm. Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel deployant stamped 3-69 Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract From the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1967 and its subsequent sale on April 11, 1968. Literature: This exact timepiece is illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger pp. 354-355.
Catalogue Essay
The reference 3466 is an especially desirable watch due to its masculine size, stainless steel case, and timeless, minimalist aesthetic. First introduced to the market in 1962, the model remained in production for approximately ten years before it was discontinued in the early 1970s.
Through today, less than 20 examples of reference 3466 have appeared on the auction market. This simple yet elegant wristwatch is from 1967 features not only a perfectly preserved waterproof case housing automatic caliber 27-460 (considered by many to be one of the finest automatic movements ever made), but also a magnificent stainless steel, period correct, Gay Frères bracelet. It is interesting to underline the contrast of casual stainless steel case and a superlative movement with gold rotor, the flamboyance of the watch is not in its design but in its movement.
The superb sunburst silvered dial has resisted the test of time, looking as fresh as it did when leaving the Patek Philippe workshops in 1967.
Prominently illustrated in John Goldberger's Patek Philippe Steel Watches, the present lot with its well-sized, 35 mm case diameter is a classic wristwatch perfect for everyday wear that is sure to impress both novice and experienced collectors alike.
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.