Patek Philippe Amagnetic 3417: A Vintage Marvel
Vintage

Patek Philippe Amagnetic 3417: A Vintage Marvel

By amanico · Jan 1, 2017 · 43 replies
amanico
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
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Amanico's exploration of the Patek Philippe Amagnetic 3417 offers a fascinating look into a significant vintage reference. His detailed photographs and historical context highlight why this particular Patek Philippe model, alongside other notable amagnetic watches of its era, remains a highly sought-after piece for collectors today. This article delves into the watch's unique features and its place in horological history.

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I took a series of pictures in December of the Patek 3417. 

A watch a friend / dealer just got. 

This one is a 3417 2d series. 

To make it short, the first series was made between 1958 and 1960 with the Cal 12-400. 

In 1960 and for the next ten years, Patek used the Cal 27 AM 400. 

It is funny to keep in mind that 1958 was also the  year JLC released the Geophysic, an amagnetic and chronometer time keeper. 

The 3417 has a soft iron dust cover, and can resist to magnetic fields up to 600 Gauss, if my memory serves me well. 

This 3417 seems to have everything correct, except the crown which should be signed, which is not the case, here. 

Here are the pictures of the Beauty.

The dial is just a classic beauty. 




I also like a lot the shape of the case, which makes me think, a bit, of the JLC Geophysic,, in the spirit. Macho. 



A view on the dust cover made of soft iron, on your right.



The screw in case back.Signed inside.



And the beautiful Cal 27AM400. Whose decoration is much more refined than the JLC Geophysic movement, I have to say. 







The second series starts with a 730 000 movement number. So this one is one of the early ones.

In the world of Amagnetic watches, the elit is shared by some prestigious names such as the JLC Mark 11 ( the first one, for a wrist watch, as it was " born " in 1948 ), the JLC Geophysic ( 1958 ), the Omega CK 2777 ( 1953 ) and Railmaster CK 2914 ( 1957 ) and of course, this Patek Philippe 3417 ( 1958 ). 

All of these references use a manual winding movement. I added this precision because there are also later amagnetic watches which came with automatic movements, the most famous being the Rolex 1019 Milgauss, or the IWC Ref 666 " Ingenieur ". 

These automatic amagnetic watches are of course very interesting, and worth being collected, but the manual amagnetic are a class above, in my opinion. 

The stars of the category are, of course, the Patek 3417 and the JLC E 168 ( Geophysic ), which has an impact on the price you will have to pay, the Omega CK 2777 and the JLC Mark 11 have to be considered as excellent choices, as well. The Omega CK 2914 is just between these two categories. 

It's been a good three years I didn't see a 3417 in the real. This reference is a grail in the vintage Patek universe, for me. 

I think, but I have to check that point, that finding the right crown shouldn't be a big issue. In that case, I may well lock it for the end of this year... 

Best,

Nicolas.





About the Omega Ref. 2914

The Omega Railmaster reference 2914 is a notable antimagnetic timepiece from the brand's mid-20th century professional collection. Positioned alongside the Seamaster and Speedmaster, the Railmaster was engineered for professionals working in environments with strong magnetic fields, such as scientists, engineers, and technicians. Its design prioritizes legibility and robust performance, reflecting a utilitarian approach to watchmaking that characterized many tool watches of its era. This reference is recognized for its clean aesthetic and technical specifications tailored for specific occupational demands.

This particular reference features a stainless steel case, designed to house a movement protected by an inner soft iron cage, a common method for achieving antimagnetic properties. The movement is a manual-winding caliber, known for its reliability and precision. The crystal protecting the dial is typically made of Hesalite, a durable acrylic material. The case dimensions are characteristic of professional watches from this period, offering a balanced presence on the wrist while ensuring comfort and practicality.

For collectors, the reference 2914 holds significance as an early example of Omega's commitment to specialized tool watches. It appeals to those interested in the historical development of antimagnetic technology in wristwatches and the evolution of professional timekeeping instruments. Variants of this reference may exist with subtle differences in dial markings or caseback engravings, which are points of interest for detailed study and authentication within the collecting community.

Specifications

Caliber
386
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
38 mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
60m
Crystal
Hesalite

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
WA
watch-guy.com
Jan 1, 2017
Nicolas what a great write up

I think this is very underrated I have just bought a 666 and love i You have great taste Julian

AM
amanico
Jan 1, 2017
Yes, the 3417 is much less known than the Geophysic! Thanks for reading, Julian. [nt]

AM
amanico
Jan 1, 2017
I knew you would come out of the wood for that one. ;) [nt]

RG
RG1
Jan 1, 2017
I need more sleeping pill now:-) [nt]

AM
amanico
Jan 1, 2017
Same here. But I could happily sell 3, 4 or 5 of my watches to get this one. [nt]

GE
gensiulia
Jan 1, 2017
Great topic. Wet dream. [nt]

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