I was visiting my father last night in preparation for the blizzard. He was wearing one of his many old Pateks. This piece was purchased 20-30 years ago in Switzerland. It hs yellow gold case with a solid back. It is hand wound. The papers are in the bank vault hopefully with the rest of his Pateks. Can anyone identify the reference. I would suspect that it is fairly uncommon. Thanks CB
Ref. 3861 from the 80s, but it should have an automatic movement - cal. 240.
Are you sure about manual? 3855 has the same style (dial and hands), but comes with a slightly different case. The lattter has a manual movement - cal. 215.
I bet my father does not know that his watch is automatic. It is easy to forget over the years. I appreciate your help. The knowledge the people have on this site si truely amazing. You people are very kind. I have a NIB 5146R on the way and I will be sure to post pics of it and get some comments and adivice on the piece when I get it.
One of the reasons I thought that this watch was hand wound is that it is extremely thin. I had no idea that PP could make such a thin automatic caliber. I assume it uses the micro rotor. Amazing craftsmanship! That is one reason I love these mechanical timepieces.
... as a thin base movement for the company's perpetual calendars. With
a thickness of 2.4 millimeters, the movement allowed a perpetual automatic
caliber with a total thickness of only 3.75 millimeters, almost two millimeters
thinner than its predecessor.