| Brand | Patek Philippe |
|---|---|
| Model | |
| Reference | 3468 |
| Year of production (circa) | 1968 |
| Material | 18k Yellow gold |
| Crystal | Acrylic |
| Dial color | Silver |
| Movement | Hand-wound |
| Diameter | 33 mm |
| Bracelet/strap: | Leather |
| Buckle/clasp | Aftermarket 18k gold |
| Lug Width | 17 mm |
| Set Content | Extract of archives |
Dress, Vintage Watches
Patek Philippe Ref. 3468
This is true design by deduction—less is more, they say. While adding details to a new watch can be tempting, it’s much harder to strip it down to its bare essentials and still keep it visually interesting. This watch is a perfect example of that philosophy, showing that you couldn’t take much more away before it becomes useless as a watch.
So, why isn’t this watch dull to look at? The magic lies in the details. The watch is extremely wearable at 33mm, and the crown subtly disrupts the symmetry, adding just enough visual interest. The silver dial complements the 18k yellow gold case in a ton-sur-ton fashion. The low contrast is balanced perfectly to draw you in. The pencil hands and long applied indices create a sense of movement inward toward the center.
Paired with an 18k yellow gold buckle and an extract from the archives, how cool is that? Sometimes, a whisper, barely audible, captures far more attention and fascination than a loud roar. This watch is the horological equivalent of that subtle, captivating effect.
€ 9.800
Availability: In stock
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Details
Backstory
Shipping
Brand
Patek Philippe
Diameter
33 mm
Model
Calatrava
Bracelet/strap:
Leather
Reference
3468
Buckle/clasp
Aftermarket 18k gold
Year of production (circa)
1968
Lug Width
17 mm
Material
18k Yellow gold
Set Content
Extract of archives
Crystal
Acrylic
Warranty
2 year (AWCo)
Dial color
Silver
Movement
Hand-wound
In 1932, the year in which brothers Charles and Jean Stern acquired Patek Philippe, the name of the manufacture’s prestigious symbol, the Calatrava cross, was given to a watch collection. The first true ‘family’ of watches Patek Philippe had created, the Calatrava quickly became a classic and is still regarded today as the brand’s most iconic collection.
The design was inspired by the Bauhaus movement, a German school of Arts based on the belief that ‘less is more’ and ‘form follows function’. Since the purpose of a watch is to tell the time, these principles discouraged any embellishments which could detract from the time-telling.
The result was a watch that was at once beautiful and practical. Presented in a round case with a flat bezel and simple dial with baton indices, the art of omission in the debut model Ref. 96, came to characterize the Calatrava’s understated, yet timeless style.
The design has become a template for other brands. A simple, minimalist dress watch with a sub-dial for the seconds at six o’clock, is often referred to as a Calatrava watch, regardless of the brand. So while Patek did it first, it is perfectly reasonable to stumble upon a JLC Calatrava or a Vacheron Constantin Calatrava.
At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.
We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.
Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.