69 Patek Philippe A fine and elegant, Calatrava Clous de Paris, wristwatch in yellow gold, with hobnail bezel, reference 3520.

Estimate: € 6.000 –⁠ 12.000

At the intersection of engineering finesse and timeless restraint lies Patek Philippe’s reference 3520, a masterpiece conceived in the mid-1960s when thinness, precision, and discretion were the hallmarks of refined taste. Introduced in 1965, the reference 3520 quickly garnered admiration as the thinnest waterproof wristwatch ever created — a technical accolade made even more impressive when wrapped in such understated elegance. This particular example belongs to the rarer second series, distinguished by its Caliber 177 movement — a manual-wind marvel conceived with an obsessive focus on slimness and reliability. The case is a study in symmetry: round, balanced, and punctuated by the "Clou de Paris" hobnail bezel, rendered in rich 18k yellow gold. Its integrated bracelet, very finely preserved, adds a sculptural quality to the piece, draping the wrist like woven gold thread. The white enamel-like dial shows painted Roman numerals in perfect alignment, and slim oxidized hands that recall the precision of an architect’s drafting tool. A time-only dress watch in theory, but in truth, an object of cultural permanence.