Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII Hong Kong Friday, November 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1982
    Reference No: 3881J-001
    Movement No: 1’389’538
    Case No: 551’357
    Model Name: Ellipse Squelette
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 177SQ, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe mesh bracelet, max length 170mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe folding clasp
    Dimensions: 27mm width x 31.5mm length
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe service invoice and slipcase. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1982 and its subsequent date of sale 24th February 1984

  • 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. 3881J 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 diamond-set skeletonized dial. 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 100-200 examples were every made during its production from the 1980 until mid 1990s with only approximately 20 or so pieces resurfacing in the market. Furthermore, the present example is fitted with a matching yellow gold Patek Philippe mesh bracelet to elevate its presence. Preserved in an excellent overall condition and remained freshly sealed from a Patek Philippe service, the present timepiece is the 9th example to appear in the market and is delivered with its Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture from 1982.

  • 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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994

Ref. 3881J-001
A rare and attractive yellow gold and diamond-set skeletonized elongated oval-shaped wristwatch with bracelet, service-sealed

1982
27mm width x 31.5mm length
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$65,000 - 150,000 
€7,900-18,200
$8,300-19,200

Sold for HK$190,500

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII

Hong Kong Auction 24-25 November 2023