Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1974
    Reference No: 3604
    Movement No: 1’302’947
    Case No: 2’759’914
    Model Name: “Golden Circle”
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 28-255 C, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe Henri Stern pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35.5mm length x 35.5mm width
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1974 and its subsequent sale on May 18th, 1976.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Nicknamed the “Golden Circle”, the Patek Philippe ref. 3604 belongs to the Ellipse collection and is one of the largest vintage models created, featuring a case measuring 35.5mm in both width and length. Introduced in 1971, it marked the first appearance of the reliable and slim self-winding calibre 28-255 C, which carried the prestigious Geneva Seal and would later be utilized in the Nautilus ref. 3700. The ref. 3604 was exclusively manufactured in 18K white gold or yellow gold, and it is estimated that approximately 1,900 examples of this reference were made until its discontinuation in 1980.

    The present ref. 3604 in yellow gold showcases an attractive blue sunburst dial, while its "TV screen" shape fully exemplifies its generous proportions. Finding a vintage wristwatch of significant size, particularly one from the esteemed Patek Philippe brand, can be incredibly challenging. With the Ellipse collection having increased popularity in the current market, this presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a fantastic example of the “Golden Circle”.

  • 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.

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Σ1054

Ref. 3604
A large and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with date and blue sunburst dial

1974
35.5mm length x 35.5mm width
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$60,000 - 120,000 
€7,200-14,400
$7,700-15,400

Sold for HK$152,400

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024