Patek Philippe

Baron - Mr Red
14613

• Show profile
• Show other posts

Patek Philippe reference 3417

So, as a final installment of my approach to the vintage Calatrava series, I look at the Reference 3417. The "Amagnetic"

The 3417 is not the only amagnetic reference from Patek Philippe, but it is one of the very few to have "Amagnetic" written on the dial. Further, it is the only reference to produce an amagnetic in steel.





Mstanga has already produced the authorative report on this watch. For me, here are some basic details.....

MOVEMENT: manual, cal. 27-AM400, stamped with the Geneva seal, 18 jewels.

DIAL: silvered matte, applied white gold baton and arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds.

CASE: stainless steel, elongated angular lugs, screw back, 35 mm. diam..SIGNED: case, dial, movement.


There are essentially four series of 3417s produced, with each series having its own peculiarities. My version would be deemed to be a Series 2 version, being manufactured in 1964.





Series 2 3417s were produced from 1963 to 1970, so mine would be a relatively early version. I have only watch from my birth year....the Polaris 65. In all the time that I have collected, I have only ever managed to catch one in my birth year. This 3417 is very close...August 1964.

The profile of the watch shows its lugs well. It is a feature that I find very attractive.




I think it is fair to say that any of my other vintage Calatravas would feel at home at a formal event. But that just isn't so for the 3417. It has an altogether different feel to it. For sure, it is not without some elegance, but it just doesn't feel like a formal dress watch at all. It feels like it is meant to be a working watch...a tool watch.

It gives great pleasure. Regrettably, of all my Calatravas, it is the one that has now moved very sharply in price. It is no longer what i would call a bargain. 34 have come to auction over the last decade. And at each auction it seems price grinds higher and higher. I have this small hope that Patek Philippe will one day make a modern tribute to this vintage steel wonder. That would be something special.

Site Info.