Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1991
    Reference No: 3885J
    Movement No: 1’389’286
    Case No: 2’900’778
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 177, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 31.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe service slip case, Patek Philippe service invoice. Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1991 and its subsequent date of sale on 29th January 1992.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The ultimate form of transparency in watchmaking by Patek Philippe dates back to the 1860s when the firm produced a small series of skeletonized pocket watches. And in the dawn of the 1980s, Patek Philippe started to implement the skeleton movement on the coveted Ellipse ref. 3880 in yellow gold for the first time. Only a handful of these skeletonized watches could be made annually and it is believed that only a few hundred were produced from the entire production run from 1980 to late 1990s. Finished to the highest degree of artisanal craftsmanship, the present ref. 3885J is an all-around marvel to appreciate. The mastery of the art of engraving is shown in full force within the miniature works of art encircled by an attractive translucent blue enamel chapter ring. Powered by the calibre 177 also used in the ref. 3880, each intricate hand engraved strokes decorates the entire timepiece with dedication and grace. According to research only about 250-350 examples were every made during its production from the 1980 until mid 1990s with only approximately 20 pieces resurfacing in the market. Preserved in an excellent overall condition, the present timepiece is recently serviced at Patek Philippe and is further delivered with its Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture from 1991.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Σ938

Ref. 3885J
A fine and attractive yellow gold skeletonized wristwatch with blue enamel dial, service sealed

1991
31.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$62,000 - 125,000 
€6,900-13,800
$7,900-16,000

Sold for HK$182,700

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021