Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1974 Reference No: 3588/2 Movement No: 1'284'732 Case No: 2'730'098 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 170mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe folding clasp Dimensions: 35.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial, bracelet pattern, black Breguet numerals and bracelet in white gold in 1974 and its subsequent sale on August 4, 1974.
Catalogue Essay
This impressively well preserved reference 3588/2 notably features a heavy bracelet with a chevron pattern. The dial is particularly interesting as it also displays a textured design with black Breguet numerals. It is important to note that all of these features are confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.
The timepiece is preserved in excellent condition with crisp finishes throughout and a deep, legible hallmark on the case back. The texture on the bezel is crisp as are all the facets and edges. Most bracelets from this period are warped due to the wear, however this particular one is preserved in impressive condition and barely shows any signs of wear. It is rigid and remains tight.
To date, no more than four examples of reference 3588/2 have appeared on the market in this particular configuration, making this example very rare.
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.