164 Patek Philippe A very special, highly collectible and impressively important, Calatrava, automatic wristwatch in platinum, with diamond set bezel, linen "checker" dial and tiled platinum Patek Philippe bracelet by Jean-Pierre Ecoffey, reference 3441/1.

Estimate: Fr. 50'000 –⁠ 100'000

• Model Calatrava
• Year 1968
• Reference 562841
• Case Material Platinum
• Case Number 2'637'794
• Bracelet Material Platinum Patek Philippe bracelet, approximate length 195mm
• Movement Automatic, cal. 27-460, 37 jewels
• Movement Number 1'116'056
• Dimension 35mm Diameter
• Signed Case, dial and movement
• Accessories Accompanied by copy of the Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated 29th January 1968 stamped by Guillermin & Mollet.
• Literature This specific watch was previously sold in Antiquorum Geneva "A TRIBUTE TO PRECISION AND COMPLICATED TIMEPIECES & PROFESSOR THOMAS ENGEL COLLECTION - PART I" auction 11th November 2001, as lot 100 for CHF 57,500.

The present Patek Philippe reference 3441 with its special platinum checker dial stands among the most elusive and intellectually fascinating creations ever produced by Patek Philippe: a watch conceived not for mass production, but for a handful of the most discerning clients, executed virtually piece by piece. Introduced in 1959, the reference 3441 represents an extraordinary departure from conventional Patek Philippe design. Unlike standard models, it was never truly part of serial production, but rather created in extremely limited numbers, each example displaying unique characteristics. The earliest executions were fitted with the calibre 12-600, though no surviving examples are known today. From 1960 onward, production transitioned to the calibre 27-460, and to date, only six examples have been publicly identified. The present watch is among the rarest of these, most possibly unique in its configuration. Cased in platinum, it features the exceptional “checker” or braided dial (motif repeater on the bracelet), engraved on a platinum base and manufactured by Stern Frères. The interplay of light across its textured surface creates a remarkable visual depth. The 35mm case is a refined example of discreet luxury, made by Geneva casemaker F. Baumgartner, featuring a waterproof screw-down back and a diamond-set bezel with 40 stones totaling over 3 carats. The bracelet, furthermore, was produced and signed by JPE, Jean-Pierre Ecoffey, one of Geneva’s most respected bracelet makers, whose work perfectly complements the watch’s highly sophisticated aesthetic and artisanal character. With only six examples identified across all variations (at the moment) and possibly no more than twenty ever produced, the reference 3441 occupies a realm beyond rarity. It is a watch that bridges haute horlogerie, high jewelry, and bespoke craftsmanship. For the advanced collector, the present one is the opportunity to secure one of the most mysterious and important post-war creations of Patek Philippe, a piece whose scarcity, individuality, and historical intrigue place it firmly among the great treasures of vintage watchmaking.