Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1968 Reference No: 3541 Movement No: 1'125'986 Case No: 321'052 Material: 18k white gold Calibre: Automatic, 27-460 M, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Black Patek Philippe crocodile leather strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 36 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1968 and its subsequent sale on 27 June 1968.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 3541 is a very rare reference to begin with, however, those cased in white gold are extremely rare. The reference is very similar to the famous reference 3445, however, it is fitted with a wide case diameter and lugs which are larger and with more prominent facets. The present watch has been retained in unpolished condition with very sharp edges and very crisp gold marks. The watch is a highly charismatic example of an automatic wristwatch with date and it is in extremely fine shape indeed.
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.