The following four lots, 459 to 462, represent an attractive selection of Patek Philippe's wristwatches fitted with the celebrated Beta-21 electroquartz movements. The revolutionary Beta-21 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 and introduced at the Basle Fair in April 1970. The first model of the series, reference 3587, was launched in 1969 and became reference 3597 in 1973. It was in production until around 1982. Reference 3603 was introduced into the market in 1972, also until around 1982. The three models, the largest wristwatches ever produced by Patek Philippe, were available in different case, dial and bracelet colours and variations and are highly collectable timepieces. References 3597 and 3602 as well as the Beta-21 are described and illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 332.

Patek Philippe. An oversized 18K gold cushion-shaped electronic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and date

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENÈVE, REF. 3597, MOVEMENT NO. 8'233, CASE NO. 2'741'735, MANUFACTURED IN 1974

Details

Patek Philippe. An oversized 18K gold cushion-shaped electronic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and date
Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, ref. 3597, movement no. 8'233, case no. 2'741'735, manufactured in 1974
Cal. B 21 electroquartz movement, 13 jewels, the blue brushed dial with applied gold baton numerals with luminous detail, outer ring with luminous five minute divisions, luminous hands, sweep centre seconds with hacking feature, window for date, in large cushion-shaped water-resistant-type case with screw back, 18K gold Patek Philippe buckle, case, dial and movement signed
43 mm. wide

Lot Essay

Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1974 and its subsequent sale on 19 December 1974 and presentation box. It has never been offered in public before and is believed to be one of only four examples of reference 3597 to appear at auction to date.

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