126 Patek Philippe Exceptional and Special Officier Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Reference 3960, With Breguet Numbers, Made to Commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Patek Philippe

Estimate: €12,000 –⁠ 24,000

Model: Officier
Material: Yellow Gold
Reference N°: 3960
Year: 1989
Case N°: 2863471
Caliber: 215PS
Movement type: Manual
Movement N°: 768559
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 33 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement
Accessories: Extract from the archives

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in yellow gold in 1989 and its subsequent sale on 11 August 1989.

Reaching the 150th anniversary after the opening of an activity is certainly a milestone. For Patek the years of activity will then become 170 and counting but in 1989, for celebrating the very important goal of 150 years, the company decided to introduce to the market the ref. 3960 model “Officier” produced in platinum, yellow or white gold. This delicious model was the first ever Officer’s watch in the Calatrava collection and was influenced by the first wristwatches of the early 20th century with a rounded bezel and hunter-style hinged case back. Clearly matching the style of many Calatrava, the 3960 stood out from the crowd with its straight-lugs, gold screwed bars, turban-style crown and rare enamel dial with painted Breguet numerals. Underneath is the manual-wound 215 movement comprised of 130 parts and offering a power reserve of 44 hours. The present lot is a yellow gold representative of this family with an high level conservation. A general overview allows to appreciate every detail and the ability that the previous owner had in knowing how to preserve it in a wonderful way. The 33mm case is indeed in very nice conditions with a cool oxidation all over the edges which have gained an interesting copper color. The dial in white enamel does not present any felure, detail not to be overlooked considering the delicacy of these dials, and the Breguet numbers catch the eye for their delicacy. The outer minutes track is perfect and so is the subsidiary dial for constant seconds positioned at 6 o’clock. Perhaps not the most sublime specimen produced by Patek, but the 3960 Officier still must be regarded as one of the most elegant versions, and one of the modern collectible models.