Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe

Reference 3428

A yellow gold wristwatch with enamel dial, Made in 1961

Dial: enamel

Calibre: cal. 27-460 AS automatic, 37 jewels

Movement number: 1’111’428

Case: 18k yellow gold, screw down case back

Case number: 2’614’506

Closure: brown Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k yellow gold buckle

Size: 35 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch in 1961 and its subsequent sale on January 31 1962, and presentation box

The immediate post-war period was a pivotal time for Patek Philippe and saw the creation of some of the most important references ever made by the storied maison, including the hallowed 2499 and 2523. Another watch often mentioned in conversations about the greatest Patek Philippe wristwatches is the famed 2526, Patek Philippe’s first ever automatic wristwatch, sister reference to the present 3428 and considered by some to be the most beautiful of the Calatravas.

Though at a glance it may seem that Patek Philippe was late to the game when the automatic calibre revolution came, with the 2526 being released in 1953, in reality this was for good reason. The brand took their time to release the best movement and best watch that they could at the time, and in many ways engineered it to be the “watch of the future”. Not only was their brand new automatic calibre very capable in terms of performance and superbly decorated, they housed it in a modern and durable waterproof case, with their prized movement sitting beneath a beautiful enamel dial, a material which would never fade or deteriorate, all components to Patek Philippe’s futureproof watch.

However, even after the 2526 was released to great fanfare, Patek Philippe never stopped innovating. They amassed a series of improvements that could be made to the initial 12-600 calibre, eventually resulting in the creation of a brand new 27-460 movement which they began rolling out in 1960. With the new calibre came a brand new reference, the present 3428. Produced for a short 5 year span and in far fewer numbers than the 2526, the new reference is all but identical to its predecessor, retaining all of the characteristics which made it so well regarded, except now with an improved heart. Both references today are some of the most coveted wristwatches ever made by the Geneva maison.

Fresh to the market and retained in outstanding original condition, the watch still retains the original strap. The case is unpolished and the thickness of the lugs are preserved excellently. The original PP crown is still present and 2 very crisp hallmarks between and under the lugs. Only 20 examples are known in yellow gold and the present watch is arguably one of the best.