Very Rare and Elegant, Calatrava, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With Silver Dial, Reference 3466, Retailed by Beyer Zurich
Model: Calatrava
Reference: 3466
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1967
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 27-460
Case N°: 2 664 450
Movement N°: 1 112 779
Dimensions: 35 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
Fewer than 1000 examples produced, approximately only 8 years of manufacturing and just one material used: these are some of the features that define to reference 3466. From 1962 to 1970, Patek Philippe has ventured into the production of this particular model setting aside precious materials such as yellow or rose gold or platinum in favor of the humble, practical and always appreciated stainless steel. The present lot is an example of one of the later models, attested by the flatter case back and printed signature on the dial. The solid, straight and sharp lugs are what characterizes more this appreciated model together with its caliber, the 27–460, also known among collectors as “la grande dame des automatiques Suisse,” with its full 18k yellow-gold rotor, beautifully and lavishly engine-turned which remained in production until 1985. It’s important to consider how strange is the combination of such a precious movement on a “simple” stainless steel wristwatch such as the 3466. The present example also features a very nice argentè dial with elegant and charming baton indexes with a light pink color. Nowadays stainless steel Patek Philippe watches are highly collectable and the present one is a good opportunity to own a very beautiful example further embellished by the famous retailer Beyer printed at six o’clock, the oldest watch shop in Switzerland founded in 1760.
