Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1961 Reference No: 3433 Movement No: 1'111'340 Case No: 2'618'568 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, 27-460, 30 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Brown crocodile leather strap Dimensions: 35.5 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 18k yellow gold in 1961 and its subsequent sale on 13 December 1961.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 3433 was first released in 1960. The reference was fitted with the automatic calibre, 27-460, and was later replaced with the reference 2551. While reference 3433 is characterized by its rounder case shape, reference 2551 is instantly recognizable due to its sharp edges. Seldom seen on the market, the present watch still retains its original 'PP' crown and hallmark to the side of the lug.
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.