107th Auction

2022/11/19

Lot 228

Patek Philippe & Co.
Calatrava Amagnetic

An elegant vintage Geneva wristwatch

Sold

estimated
4.0008.000 €
Price realized
6.000 €
specific features
Case
18 K gold, push back.
Dial
Gilt, enamel scales and lettering.
Movement
Manual.
Case no.431251
Ref.3420
Cal.27AM-400
Diam.34 mm
Circa1966
Ctry.Switzerland


Different to famous antimagnetic watches such as the Rolex Milgauss or the IWC Ingenieur, Patek Philippe’s reference 3420 is of a rather demure elegance and quite unostentatious. The 18 K gold case is fitted with an acrylic dome and the surface is polished. The bezel is slim and low-key enough to give the impression that the delicately shimmering dial sits directly on the wrist.
Reference 3420 was first produced in 1959 and fitted with calibre 12-400. Only a few of those were antimagnetic. In 1960 the antimagnetic calibre 27AM-400 was launched with a lever escapement made from beryllium bronze.