Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1992
    Reference No: 3878
    Movement No: 1’239’179
    Case No: 2’900’717
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 SQ, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Patek Philippe crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 31mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case and movement signed
    Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1992 and its subsequent sale on September 9th, 1992

  • Catalogue Essay

    From early enamel pocket watches to modern complicated wristwatches, Patek Philippe has always been known for its technical workmanship, design and artistic output. The reference 3878 is a model that perfectly embodies the essence of the brand, and the aesthetic they seek to achieve. The highly chased and engraved movement becomes a work of art with each bridge and plate demonstrating the exacting attention to detail required for hand-engraving. Patek Philippe introduced the model in 1981, and discontinued manufacturing in 2008 when it was replaced with the 5180. This was Patek Philippe first self-winding skeletonized watch, and was difficult to make, it is believed there are only approximately 500 examples.

    The present skeleontized wristwatch from 1992 is in extremely well-preserved condition and makes a wonderful addition to any collection. It is a watch that is has both form and function, and for technical enthusiasts is charm to see the movement ticking away.

  • 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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Σ838

Ref. 3878
A very rare and attractive yellow gold skeletonized wristwatch

1992
31mm. Diameter
Case and movement signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 360,000 
€22,000-39,600
$25,600-46,200

Sold for HK$450,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018