Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1963 Reference No: 3504 Movement No: 710’996 Case No: 314’953 Material: 18k white gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27SC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by the original Isshin Guarantee dated January 5th, 1967, original crystal and presentation box. Further accompanied with an Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1963 and its subsequent sale on April 30th, 1964
Catalogue Essay
The reference 3504 is a model extremely rare compared to its contemporaries, in fact the present model, fresh to the market, is only the fourth example to appear at auction.
Produced between 1963 and 1964, the watch features the manual wind caliber 27SC with center seconds. The Antonie Gerlach case, is modern with faceted lugs and waterproof screw back. The watch was made exclusively in 18k white gold and it is interesting to note it never appeared in the Patek Philippe catalogue or on the price list.
This reference 3504 is in excellent overall condition. It has been serviced in the past and while very lightly polished the case remains sharp with the facets on the lugs clear and defined. For collectors of Patek Philippe wristwatches this is a model that all should inspect, not only is it extremely rare but it is a wonderful example.
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.