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Lot Essay
The present watch, with the auspicious movement number 1’904’027 is one of the earliest examples of reference 3979 to appear at auction. Launched in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary, only around 100 examples were ever produced. The production of the model started with the movement number 1’904’000, therefore this watch is the twenty-seventh example of a reference 3979 ever to be made.
The work of Jean-Pierre Hagmann is regarded as the bench mark for case making, being without doubt the most skilled living craftsman in the field. Mr. Hagmann has supplied cases for all models of Patek Philippe’s modern ‘Grand Complication’ watches. Reference 3979 watches with J-P. Hagmann cases are particularly special because only the very first handful were made by him. Very soon after initial production began, the making of the cases was switched to Patek Philippe’s in-house casemaker, Ateliers Rèunis S.A. (master casemaker’s mark 28 in a key).
Study by leading Patek Philippe scholars has revealed another interesting fact about the very first few J-P. Hagmann made cases.
The Dial
Further enhancing both the prestige and aesthetic appeal of the present watch is the superbly discreet porcelain-white dial. The dial plate itself is, unusually for Patek Philippe, made by the revered dial manufacturer Jean Singer & Cie of Le Locle. The highest level of craftsmanship is necessary to create a dial of the standard required for such an important and mechanically advanced Patek Philippe reference.
Reference 3979
One of the most important wristwatches ever made in series by Patek Philippe, reference 3979 was launched in 1989 to celebrate the house’s 150th anniversary. Not only is this watch the first ever automatic minute repeater to be produced by Patek, but it was also discontinued shortly after in 1998. As a result, finding examples in today’s market is always a significant and exciting discovery.
The reference is fitted with the ingeniously designed Calibre R 27 PS, which impresses with its small, but incredibly intricate design. Although the case is only 33.4 mm. in diameter, the movement nevertheless manages to contain 342 parts, including a micro-rotor and minute repeating mechanism. This is a horological feat that few manufactures in the industry can achieve, attesting to the level of skill and innovation belonging to the watchmakers at Patek Philippe.
The case of reference 3979 is remarkably handsome and well sized. With its elegance and quiet sophistication, coupled with its unmatched level of technological innovation, there is perhaps no other watch that better highlights the essence of Patek Philippe.
We are grateful to Eric Tortella for his assistance and study in researching this watch.
Reference 3979 is illustrated in: the Blue Book 2, by Eric Tortella, 2019 edition, pages 572-579
The work of Jean-Pierre Hagmann is regarded as the bench mark for case making, being without doubt the most skilled living craftsman in the field. Mr. Hagmann has supplied cases for all models of Patek Philippe’s modern ‘Grand Complication’ watches. Reference 3979 watches with J-P. Hagmann cases are particularly special because only the very first handful were made by him. Very soon after initial production began, the making of the cases was switched to Patek Philippe’s in-house casemaker, Ateliers Rèunis S.A. (master casemaker’s mark 28 in a key).
Study by leading Patek Philippe scholars has revealed another interesting fact about the very first few J-P. Hagmann made cases.
The Dial
Further enhancing both the prestige and aesthetic appeal of the present watch is the superbly discreet porcelain-white dial. The dial plate itself is, unusually for Patek Philippe, made by the revered dial manufacturer Jean Singer & Cie of Le Locle. The highest level of craftsmanship is necessary to create a dial of the standard required for such an important and mechanically advanced Patek Philippe reference.
Reference 3979
One of the most important wristwatches ever made in series by Patek Philippe, reference 3979 was launched in 1989 to celebrate the house’s 150th anniversary. Not only is this watch the first ever automatic minute repeater to be produced by Patek, but it was also discontinued shortly after in 1998. As a result, finding examples in today’s market is always a significant and exciting discovery.
The reference is fitted with the ingeniously designed Calibre R 27 PS, which impresses with its small, but incredibly intricate design. Although the case is only 33.4 mm. in diameter, the movement nevertheless manages to contain 342 parts, including a micro-rotor and minute repeating mechanism. This is a horological feat that few manufactures in the industry can achieve, attesting to the level of skill and innovation belonging to the watchmakers at Patek Philippe.
The case of reference 3979 is remarkably handsome and well sized. With its elegance and quiet sophistication, coupled with its unmatched level of technological innovation, there is perhaps no other watch that better highlights the essence of Patek Philippe.
We are grateful to Eric Tortella for his assistance and study in researching this watch.
Reference 3979 is illustrated in: the Blue Book 2, by Eric Tortella, 2019 edition, pages 572-579