Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1973
    Reference No: 3597
    Movement No: 6'141
    Case No: 2'720'501
    Model Name: Beta 21
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Electroquartz, cal. CEH Beta-21, 13 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 43mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1973 and its subsequent sale on 28th June 1973, and servicing receipt documents.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The quartz crisis of the late 1960's and 1970's, alongside the development of inexpensive and accurate quartz movements from Japan, posed as a magnified threat and catalyst to the traditional Swiss watchmaking. As a response, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, and Piaget, began researching themselves quartz movements during the years of this "reform" and formed the Centre Electronique Horologer (CEH) in 1962.

    In 1969, after strenuous research, the CEH released the Beta-21 movement, which delivered unprecedented accuracy with just five seconds deviation per month. The partnering brands further agreed to limit the production to six thousand Beta-21 movements for the group to share. Patek Philippe went on to further develop and alter the Beta 21 movement, reducing its oscillation rate from 8192 Hz to 256 Hz, through the means of a frequency reducer.

    Introduced in 1973, Patek Philippe's reference 3597 was the Maison's second quartz wristwatch and the company's largest diameter wristwatch, measuring an outstanding and imposing 43mm in diameter. The present timepiece from 1973, as confirmed from the Extract, represent, and testifies for Patek Philippe's capacity to remain modern and adapt to fast changing technologies.
    With a large cushion-shaped case, and screw-down caseback, the present timepiece has a very modern and futuristic vibe to it. Quite noticeable and present on one's wrist, the timepiece is extremely legible thanks to its gleaming deep blue dial with luminous hour markers and hands.

    Presented in delightful and excellent overall condition, this timepiece from 1973 represents a unique moment in history, a period of great radical changes, from politics to fashion - making it a unique opportunity for any serious historian and collector.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Ref. 3597
A rare, fine, and oversized white gold cushion-shaped electronic wristwatch with center seconds and date

1973
43mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€20,600-41,200
$20,000-40,100

Sold for CHF40,320

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022