Patek Philippe*** 3417 Steel Amagnetic*** 1967
Patek Philippe Amagnetic Calatrava Ref 3417, Stainless Steel
Serial: Case 2644329 / mvt 734457
Circa: 1967
Reference: 3417
DIAL: Silver dial with seconds subdial, applied hour markers and printed Patek Philippe and Amagnetic in cursive.
CASE: 35mm, Stainless Steel, Patek logo crown, acrylic crystal. Screw down case back and antimagnetic movement cover.
MOVEMENT: Patek Caliber 27AM400, manual-wound mechanical movement, 18 jewels
BRACELET: Leather strap with steel Patek buckle (service).
CONDITION REPORT: The dial is in pristine and untouched condition. All printing is intact and has aged with a subtle cream hue patina. The case appears lightly polished, but bevels are still visible and case back is crisp. The movement is running properly.
The case number matches the number inside the dust cover.
NOTES: The Patek Philippe archives confirm matching case and movement number identifying this stainless steel 3417 to have been made in 1967. The archives extract will be provided separately.
The Patek Philippe reference 3417, with its prominent "Amagnetic" designation on the dial, holds a special place in the hearts of watch collectors worldwide. Introduced in 1958, it marked Patek Philippe's foray into series-produced anti-magnetic wristwatches as was the case for several prominent watch brands during those years as the demand for amagnetic watches rose for engineering and scientific fields. What sets the reference 3417 apart for Patek Philippe is not only its functionality but also its exclusivity, as it was only available in stainless steel.
One key feature that contributes to the watch's desirability is its ability to resist magnetism. The movement is protected by a soft-iron inner case, a design aimed at shielding it from magnetic fields up to 450 oersteds. This anti-magnetic quality was a crucial innovation, as exposure to magnetic fields can adversely affect the accuracy of a watch's movement.
The case itself is crafted with durability in mind. Its oversized design is a necessity to accommodate the protective inner case. The screwdown, water-resistant caseback enhances the watch's resilience, making it suitable for various environments.
Remarkably, even the movement components, including the anchor in the escapement, are made of gold. This choice of material further reinforces the watch's resistance to magnetism, as gold is impervious to magnetic influence.
The Patek Philippe reference 3417 remained in production for approximately a decade, ceasing production in 1968. Its limited availability and the combination of anti-magnetic technology, durable construction, and exquisite materials contribute to its status as a highly sought-after vintage watch among collectors.
SOLD |