Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1968 Reference No: 3514 Movement No: 1'126'494 Case No: 322'951 Material: 18k white gold Calibre: Automatic, 27-460 M, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18k white gold Patek Philippe bracelet, 180 mm. maximum length Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Patek Philippe folding clasp Dimensions: 33.5 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Reference 3514 was first released in 1964. The present watch features a mesh bracelet which is incredibly thick and heavy. The case maker is Antoine Gerlach, as were other examples of the reference. The watch furthermore features Roman numerals, giving the watch a very unusual appearance. This example is preserved in excellent condition with a hallmark to the right band.
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.