148 Patek Philippe An extremely rare and attractive, Amagnetic, manual wristwatch in steel, with Extract from the Archives, reference 3417.

Estimate: € 30.000 –⁠ 60.000

• Model Calatrava
• Year 1962
• Reference 3417
• Case Material Stainless steel
• Case Number 2'627'928
• Bracelet Material Leather strap
• Movement Manual, cal. 27AM-400, 18 jewels
• Movement Number 732'039
• Dimension 35mm Diameter
• Signed Case, dial and movement
• Accessories Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece in 1962 and its subsequent sale on November 23rd 1962

Reference 3417 is one of the very few 20th-century Patek Philippe models produced exclusively in stainless steel. Introduced in 1958 alongside reference 3418, it was fitted with the antimagnetic caliber 12-400, later evolving into the 27AM-400. Conceived as a true tool watch, it was designed for professionals working in environments exposed to strong magnetic fields.
The demand for antimagnetic watches grew in the 1950s, driven by institutions such as CERN. In response, manufacturers including Rolex and Patek Philippe developed such models, the latter combining technical purpose with refined design. The ref. 3417 was built for robustness, with a steel case, screw-down back, and a soft-iron inner shield protecting the movement from magnetic fields up to 450 oersteds. Yet despite its utilitarian nature, it remains remarkably elegant, with balanced proportions and a minimalist dial featuring white-gold baton indexes and the distinctive Bauhaus-style “12”.
During its production, the reference was offered with several dial variations, differing in details such as subsidiary seconds, index placement, and signature. The present example features a particularly balanced and period-correct layout, attributed by scholars to the second series. It is distinguished by a smaller subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock, hour markers positioned closer to the outer edge of the dial, and the “I” in PHILIPPE placed noticeably nearer to the “L” than to the “P”. The present watch is offered in excellent overall condition and is accompanied by its original Extract from the Archives confirming its sale in 1962.