This lot incorporates batteries which may be desig… Read more

PATEK PHILIPPE. A RARE 18K GOLD RECTANGULAR ELECTRONIC WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP CENTRE SECONDS AND DATE

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, REF. 3603, MOVEMENT NO. 8'151, CASE NO. 2'732'416, MANUFACTURED IN 1974

Details

PATEK PHILIPPE. A RARE 18K GOLD RECTANGULAR ELECTRONIC WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP CENTRE SECONDS AND DATE
SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, REF. 3603, MOVEMENT NO. 8'151, CASE NO. 2'732'416, MANUFACTURED IN 1974
Movement: Cal. B 21, quartz, 13 jewels, signed
Dial: Signed
Case: Snap on back, 33 mm. wide, 37 mm. overall length, signed
With: 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle, Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1974 and its subsequent sale on 13 June 1974

Special notice

This lot incorporates batteries which may be designated as “dangerous goods” under international laws and regulations governing the transport of goods by air freight. If buyers request shipment of such lots to regions outside the region in which the saleroom is located, the batteries will be removed and retained prior to shipment. If such lots are collected from the saleroom, the batteries will be made available for collection free of charge. > Some watches are pictured with straps made of endangered or protected animal materials such as alligator or crocodile. These endangered species straps are shown for display purposes only and are not for sale. Christie’s will remove and retain the strap prior to shipment from the sale site. At some sale sites, Christie’s may, at its discretion, make the displayed endangered species strap available to the buyer of the lot free of charge if collected in person from the sale site within 1 year of the date of the sale. Please check with the department for details on a particular lot. > Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory, tortoiseshell and crocodile. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Yvonne Yu

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Lot Essay

Reference 3603 such as the present example was in production from 1973 until 1982 and is together with references 3587 and 3597 amongst the largest rectangular wristwatches ever made by Patek Philippe. Available in either yellow or white gold with Ateliers Réunis cases, the dials were made by Stern Frères from a massive 18k gold plate and were available in either blue, gilt, browned or silvered finishes.

The Beta-21 calibre was developed by a consortium of watch companies, including Patek Philippe, at the Swiss Electronic Research centre or CEH (Centre Electronique Horloger) in Neuchâtel. It was the first quartz movement for wristwatches with analogue display.

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