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Les Grecques (The Greeks)
Exploring Patek Philippe's heritage is pure joy for me: I never cease to be amazed by each new discovery.
So allow me to take you once again on this odyssey.
My latest discovery: ref. 3775, released in 1982 and named "Les Grecques", that is, "The Greeks" in the feminine form.
credit: @manolakis_antipolis
Do I find this model perfect? No, it's unusual, a bit eccentric or quirky, and I'm not entirely sure if I absolutely love it, especially since the movement (the manual-winding caliber 177) is quite ordinary.
But what fabulous creativity! What a fascinating case design (size: 24 x 30 x 5 mm)!
Look at the case band!
Wonderful!
Even the buckle is something never seen elsewhere!
credit: Watch Collecting
Like the first photo of this post, here are a few wrist shots of an actual owner, @manolakis_antipolis, who wears it so well!
He also posted these two shots showing the way the dial reacts to the light.
credit: @manolakis_antipolis
And here's another example, also gorgeously photographed, with a dial signed by Lucerne retailer Gübelin.
Again, the fascinating case band.
The remarkable buckle.
And the biggest weakness of this reference (and perhaps the only one, after all) is this very ordinary movement, the caliber 177.
credit: @canadian_in_america (on reddit)
To conclude this post, here is the booklet that explains and details the entire collection, since ref. 3775 is only the main reference of a wider collection.
Since the text is in German, I've also included an English translation.
“The Greek ideal is the origin of our culture.
Even today, this ideal serves as a model.
It symbolizes the unity of body and mind, of form and content.
Patek Philippe is dedicated to this ideal: the union of creativity and precious materials.
The "Les Grecques" collection, which you will discover here, is a successful synthesis of past and future. The harmony of the forms is based on that golden rule which was already valid in the temple construction of the ancient Greeks. At Patek Philippe, precious materials—gold and gemstones—are worked with great craftsmanship and artistry and assembled into modern timepieces according to the rules of centuries-old watchmaking.
Here, the art of antiquity and the experience of Patek Philippe unite to create a work of lasting value.”
“The Greek ideal. Patek Philippe lives by this inexhaustible cultural heritage. Every single creation is characterized by balance, harmony, and beauty. For these masterpieces are crafted from only the finest materials with great skill. This Patek Philippe collection is also a tribute to one of the oldest values: timeless beauty.”
“Forms, dimensions, motifs: the ingenuity, knowledge, and timeless appeal of Greek culture have shaped an entire universe.
A Patek Philippe, too, is passed down from generation to generation.
That is the privilege of true works of art.”
“To the mother of all arts – Greek culture, and especially architecture – we owe an unparalleled sense of proportion, which has found its expression in this Patek Philippe collection.”
“Ancient Greek culture possesses an enduring measure of harmony and beauty that continues to surprise even those of our age.
Patek Philippe cherishes this heritage.
Because true beauty never fades.”
credit: @manolakis_antipolis
I hope you enjoyed this discovery as much as I did.
Please, tell us what you think of this reference.
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
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Les Grecques (The Greeks)
Exploring Patek Philippe 's heritage is pure joy for me: I never cease to be amazed by each new discovery . So allow me to take you once again on this odyssey . My latest discovery: ref. 3775 , released in 1982 and named " Les Grecques ", that is, " The G...
Wonderful piece! 🙂👌
I like it's dimensions and details a lot, and don't recall seeing it before.... Thank you very much for bringing it to our attention, cheers, Filip
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm, Filip,
I’m really glad this watch speaks to you too. Cheers, Emmanuel
I've never been much of a fan of Patek, partly because I never really cared about "dress" watches but these finds are absolutely stunning.
Day after day more and more beautiful designs from the past is mind boggling. I had no idea.
I’m glad some of these finds resonate with you, Blansky.
I find it quite remarkable that, although we have different tastes (as I am, unlike you, very much into dress watches) we find ourselves in common admiration for these timepieces with their truly unique design. This is really proof of their attractiveness...
I'd probably say my interest in rectangular watches from the past (or present) is part of it, and not because they're dress watches (fit under the cuff) but due to their interesting designs.
Often Art Deco. Probably moreso than round watches.
Yes, absolutely: rectangular watches,
especially Art Deco inspired, tend to have more interesting or innovative designs than round watches.
Of course then we come to the dilemma with rectangular watches. The fit. The size. Always seems more of an issues than with round.
You can have a sweet spot with round, take your pick 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 etc etc and you pretty much know how it will fit you. With rectangular it always seems more difficult to nail your size. And as I mentioned on another post, that for some reason when ...
The detail in the case band and the buckle is exceptional. Modern deco?
Thanks for sharing this.
Interesting pattern you found Emmanuel !
Although interesting, the pattern is too refined for my taste. Perhaps this piece is called "The Greeks" in feminine form for a reason ?
I completely understand your mixed feelings.
I think the feminine only comes from the fact that the French word for watch (“montre”) is feminine. As the booklet shows, the men’s models were clearly distinguished from the women’s models. I personally find the case impressive and interesting but it’s ...
Not mine, unfortunately!
I haven’t even seen this watch in person, but would love to! Best, Emmanuel