The Patek Philippe Calatrava is one of the most iconic watch collections of all time, with each of its time-only members carrying a distinct, symbolic weightiness.
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This example is the ref.3885. This Reference boasts a heavy 18ct Gold Case, with extremely strong, thick straight lugs and screw case back. The 18ct Yellow Gold Case is 34mm in diameter, excluding the Patek Philippe signed crown, is large for the period and certainly for a Patek Philippe Dress Watch. The 3885 was launched in 1968 and only produced for 12 years.
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This guy comes accompanied by the Patek Extract from the Archives (500CHF Value), which confirms the date of manufacture to 1968 and the sale to September 4th 1969. It also comes with the Original 18k Gold Buckle.
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Last but not least, the icing on the cake is that the dial is signed by Beyer Chronometrie, the legendary Zurich retailer on Bahnhofstrasse. Beyer has enjoyed a longstanding working relationship with Patek Philippe, dating all the way back to the 1840s.
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The Specs
Age: c.1968.
Movement: Automatic Calibre 27-460M, with Date Wheel.
Dial: Original Double Signed "Beyer" Patek Philippe Factory Dial.
Crystal: Possibly, Original Acrylic Crystal.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Strong, Thick, Straight Lugs.
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Nitty Gritty:
- Very Minor Marks to the Case.
Overall the PP is in lovely Vintage condition.