Condition takes the cake on this stunning Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 3429 from 1963. It is an elegant and classic reference, but one with several interesting details that are well worth taking a closer look at.

Starting off strong with the spotless dial. The raised enamel lettering gives the dial a wonderful sense of depth, with the text almost appearing three-dimensional. The layout itself is beautifully balanced, with the subsidiary seconds positioned at 6 o’clock and clean baton hour markers throughout. Most impressive, however, is simply the condition. The dial remains outstanding for its age and comes remarkably close to what you would expect from a new old stock example. The screw-down case back offered considerably better protection against moisture than many watches of the period, which may well have contributed to how beautifully the dial has survived. Both the hands and applied baton markers are crafted from 18k yellow gold.

The 35mm case is equally impressive. Crafted from 18k yellow gold by the renowned case maker Wenger, it remains in exceptional condition. The lugs are sharp and even, the edges remain well defined and the hallmarks are still clearly visible. All details that confirm just how carefully this watch has been preserved over the years.

Another nice detail is the original-style 18k yellow gold crown, signed with the PP logo. This type of crown was introduced on the automatic watches, in the early 1950's. It is a subtle detail, but exactly the sort of thing we like to see on a watch of this quality. The beating heart of this classic dress watch is the automatic caliber 27-460, quite a rare specimen considering most Calatrava's from this period are hand wound. Nonetheless Patek Philippe still managed to make this ref. 3429 very slim, adding to its elegant character.

This Calatrava is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives of Patek Philippe. According to the Extract, the watch originally left the manufacture on a leather strap, and we still have the period-correct 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle to go with it. As pictured, the watch is currently fitted to an 18k yellow gold bracelet, suitable for wrists measuring approximately 17.2 to 18.2cm. The bracelet carries its own hallmarks but is not signed by Patek Philippe. We therefore offer the watch either with or without it. Should you prefer the original configuration on leather, we will deduct €6,000 from the listed price.

For us, the appeal of this reference 3429 lies not only in its classic Calatrava design, but especially in the way it has survived. A beautifully preserved Wenger case and an exceptionally clean dial. Optionally with an awesome bracelet.