Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1961 Reference No: 3428 Movement No: 1'110'595 Case No: 2'614'473 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460, 34 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated buckle Dimensions: 35.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1961 and its subsequent sale on May 19th, 1961.
Catalogue Essay
The reference 2526, in production from 1953 until 1960, was another exemplary wristwatch, which is now legendary both for its self-winding movement and timeless case design. This model was Patek Philippe’s first automatic wristwatch and featured a sensual enamel dial.
In 1960, Patek Philippe upgraded the earlier caliber 12’600AT movement to the improved 27’460 and renamed the reference 3428. The new model retained the classic charm of earlier examples with the same diameter case and enamel dial, however as it was only in production for five years, it is believed fewer than 1000 example exist today with the majority in yellow gold, fewer in rose gold and a few dozen in white gold and platinum.
The present watch is fresh to the market and a wonderfully well-preserved example. In a world with overly polished watches, this 3428 retains strong definition and cleans lines to the case and lugs and a lovely original dial. For collector seeking rare iconic watches, the 3428 is the perfect match.
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.