1970s Patek Philippe Ref. 3854/3 In White Gold
Why This Watch Matters
Octagonal stepped case and in white gold - This was pretty funky for Patek Philippe in the 1970s.
The Full Story
When we think about the integrated bracelet watches from the 60s and into the 70s, we often imagine them in yellow gold and in round or rectangular cases. Surprisingly, even for the fairly traditional watchmaker like Patek Philippe, this was an era where they let their out-of-the box creativity flow a little bit more than usual but keeping it classy.
Geometric designs were the thing back then, so you can see the popularity from the octagonal case, but a soft octagonal case with rounded corners and a stepped bezel to keep it in line with PP's design sensibility. To keep in line with the geometric motif, the dial is adorned with an intricate checkered pattern. Not just a regular checked pattern, but if you look at it closely, there are very small patterns placed together to form a checkered pattern overall which can get overlooked easily. And the integrated bracelet follows a similar square pattern throughout from the top to bottom, even on the clasp as well.
Thanks to the case only measuring just at 6mm in thickness and the thin manual-wound movement, Cal. 215, the entire proportion from the case to the end of the bracelet feels svelte and seamless the best way possible.
If you want something different from PP or simply tired of your Nautilus or an Aquanaut, here is an example to keep things interesting on your wrist.
The Fine Print
Maker: Patek PhilippeModel: N/A
Reference: 3854/3
Year: Circa 1970s
Case No: 2788972
Movement No: 1335411
Material: White Gold
Dimensions: 29.0mm width x 29.0mm height; 6.0mm thickness
Crystal: Mineral
Lume: No
Caliber: Patek Philippe, manual-winding, caliber 215
Bracelet/Strap: Patek Philippe, 18k white gold integrated bracelet (Approximate max wrist size 7.3 in/ 185mm)
Lug Width: N/A
Box/Papers: No
What We Love And What You Should Know
Things We Love:
- Octagonal stepped case shape
- Matching dial and case motif
- Well-preserved bracelet condition with sun logo on the clasp
Things To Know:
- Minor scratches over the bracelet surface
- Very minor indentations on caseback
The watch is overall in very good condition. The case shows some minor scratches and slight nicks on the bezel and caseback. There are two very minor indentation marks on the caseback. The hallmarks on the caseback remain very crisp. The crown appears to be original.
The dial has a very faint pinkish hue on the surface in certain areas. There are some very minor inclusions in the center of the crystal which are only noticeable under a loupe. The black painted handset and hour makers are well-preserved as well.
The bracelet is overall in great condition without any warped surfaces. The white gold color has a very slight champagne color from the patina over the years. There are some very light surface scratches over the bracelet. The bracelet is marked with a Calatrava cross on the outside of the clasp and the engraving on the underside of the clasp remains extra crisp. The dial, case, crown, movement, and bracelet are all signed by Patek. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9in wrist.
