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Lot Essay
The vintage inspired Patek Philippe reference 3651 chronograph is an enigma - ultra-rare, it is a model that few collectors are aware of, and even fewer have ever seen one. Created by Patek Philippe in the mid-1980s using period repurposed mid-century movements and wonderful ‘new old stock’ dials, it belongs to a highly exclusive, small-batch series produced alongside similar curiosities like the reference 3652, and the steel reference 1579. Only a tiny handful of reference 3651 are known to exist worldwide. The present watch was last seen at auction ten years ago and has since been a treasured highlight of an important private collection.
Reference 3651 is a fascinating and highly desirable custom creation and an undoubted major prize for the serious collector. Featuring a 35mm case in yellow gold with a screw-down case back reminiscent of waterproof vintage chronographs, it is entirely vintage in appearance, the perfect wristwatch for those who love the style of Patek Philippe’s famous mid-century chronographs coupled with the robustness of a case and dial only made in the 1980s.
Correspondence between Patek Philippe in Geneva and a previous owner dating from 1989 officially confirms that the movement (Nr. 869047) was originally manufactured in 1961 for a reference 1463, sold to the Henri Stern Watch Agency in New York on 2nd October 1963. It further confirms that this movement was officially recased by Patek Philippe as part of a small series of reference 3651 in 1986.
A great neo-vintage rarity, already regarded as a statement of exclusivity and discernment, this reference 3651 chronograph is a great trophy watch for the collector. The new custodian of this exceptionally rare chronograph will have the honour of beginning the next chapter in its illustrious history.
Reference 3651 is a fascinating and highly desirable custom creation and an undoubted major prize for the serious collector. Featuring a 35mm case in yellow gold with a screw-down case back reminiscent of waterproof vintage chronographs, it is entirely vintage in appearance, the perfect wristwatch for those who love the style of Patek Philippe’s famous mid-century chronographs coupled with the robustness of a case and dial only made in the 1980s.
Correspondence between Patek Philippe in Geneva and a previous owner dating from 1989 officially confirms that the movement (Nr. 869047) was originally manufactured in 1961 for a reference 1463, sold to the Henri Stern Watch Agency in New York on 2nd October 1963. It further confirms that this movement was officially recased by Patek Philippe as part of a small series of reference 3651 in 1986.
A great neo-vintage rarity, already regarded as a statement of exclusivity and discernment, this reference 3651 chronograph is a great trophy watch for the collector. The new custodian of this exceptionally rare chronograph will have the honour of beginning the next chapter in its illustrious history.