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Lot Essay
Launched in 1989 as the world's most complicated wristwatch, today, the Patek Philippe reference 3974 has become one of the most elusive and coveted timepieces from this special period of horological revival. It is believed that approximately only 160 examples of the reference were manufactured, from which only approximately 20 wristwatches were made in pink gold, such as the present lot.
Further adding to the present lot's rarity and exclusivity, it features a specially ordered slate-grey dial enhanced with Breguet numerals, as confirmed on the Extract from the Archives. The majority of the production were fitted with silvered dials and baton indexes, such as the present lot likely had, but very few owners were later allowed the option to receive a new and specially ordered dial for their watch, such as remarked on the Extract. Another notable feature of this early reference 3974 is its case of highest quality that was supplied by none other than Jean-Pierre Hagmann of Geneva. His hallmark 'JPH' is stamped underneath the lower left lug. Later cases were made 'in-house' by Patek Philippe at Atéliers Réunis.
Jean-Pierre Hagmann
Originally trained as a jeweler, Jean-Pierre Hagmann set up his own company in 1984, specializing in the manufacture of handmade high quality watch cases. He worked for several of the world's most famous watch manufactures, notably Patek Philippe, to whom he supplied amongst others, cases for references 3974, 3979, 5016 and 5029, all models of the firm's "Grand Complication" series. Passing away at the age of 84 in 2025, Hagmann worked up until his unexpected death, manufacturing incredible cases for independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi. His legacy continues on to which his cases have created their own division of collectability.
Reference 3974
One of the most important watches ever made in series by Patek Philippe, reference 3974 was launched in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary, at the time not only the firm's but also the world's most complicated wristwatch. The very first movement was numbered 1'906'000.
Research has revealed that only around 160 examples of ref. 3974 were ever made, the majority in yellow gold. The cases of the early examples including the present watch were made by Jean-Pierre Hagmann and bear his hallmark. Later series were fitted with Atéliers Réunis cases.
This highly sought-after reference ceased production in 2000 and is regarded as one of the most desirable minute repeating wristwatches of the last 30 years.
Further adding to the present lot's rarity and exclusivity, it features a specially ordered slate-grey dial enhanced with Breguet numerals, as confirmed on the Extract from the Archives. The majority of the production were fitted with silvered dials and baton indexes, such as the present lot likely had, but very few owners were later allowed the option to receive a new and specially ordered dial for their watch, such as remarked on the Extract. Another notable feature of this early reference 3974 is its case of highest quality that was supplied by none other than Jean-Pierre Hagmann of Geneva. His hallmark 'JPH' is stamped underneath the lower left lug. Later cases were made 'in-house' by Patek Philippe at Atéliers Réunis.
Jean-Pierre Hagmann
Originally trained as a jeweler, Jean-Pierre Hagmann set up his own company in 1984, specializing in the manufacture of handmade high quality watch cases. He worked for several of the world's most famous watch manufactures, notably Patek Philippe, to whom he supplied amongst others, cases for references 3974, 3979, 5016 and 5029, all models of the firm's "Grand Complication" series. Passing away at the age of 84 in 2025, Hagmann worked up until his unexpected death, manufacturing incredible cases for independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi. His legacy continues on to which his cases have created their own division of collectability.
Reference 3974
One of the most important watches ever made in series by Patek Philippe, reference 3974 was launched in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary, at the time not only the firm's but also the world's most complicated wristwatch. The very first movement was numbered 1'906'000.
Research has revealed that only around 160 examples of ref. 3974 were ever made, the majority in yellow gold. The cases of the early examples including the present watch were made by Jean-Pierre Hagmann and bear his hallmark. Later series were fitted with Atéliers Réunis cases.
This highly sought-after reference ceased production in 2000 and is regarded as one of the most desirable minute repeating wristwatches of the last 30 years.