quattro[Moderator]
18205
An attractive square Patek
The Patek Philippe ref. 3404 is a wonderful square watch from the 1960s.
Measuring
27.5 x
33 mm (incl. lugs), the
white gold case feels
just right on the wrist: not too big, not too small.

Though very simple, the
dial features unusual
carved,
slash-like indexes for the hours, which give it a
striking appearance, to which the
brushed surfaces of the
case also contribute.

The
22 mm lug-width is also unusual for such a "small" case, but, together with the square shape, it contributes to give the watch a
great presence on the wrist.

The watch has a
nice profile.

And it is
thin (probably around 7 or 8 mm with the crystal).

The
snap-on caseback is very simple, with a
notch allowing for an easy opening.

The watch is powered by the beautifully designed and finished
manual-wind caliber 23-300.
Like the recently released Cubitus, it is a
square watch with a
round movement.

The
movement holder fixed to the case by four screws, one at each angle, is quite
unusual too.

So now, let's have
another look at the
fit on the wrist.

The photos taken from a little
distance clearly show how the watch looks on the wrist.
Now, because this reference is very rarely shown, I'd like to complete this post with several other examples in each of the four precious metals.
A/ WHITE GOLD EXAMPLES
1/ Cream dial
credit: Giorgio Porco GP Watches
2/ Tropical dial
credit: Grey and Patina
B/ PLATINUM EXAMPLES
1/ A questionable example This example is displayed several times on the internet, but the
hands look inauthentic to me and the
dial and
indexes have been
heavily repainted.

credit: Christie’s & Wind Vintage
3/ Example with diamond indexes
credit: Sotheby’s
C/ ROSE GOLD EXAMPLE FROM THE COLLECTION OF RONI MADHVANI - DIAL SIGNED FRECCERO
credit: @morillo55 & Classic 55
D/ YELLOW GOLD EXAMPLES WITH FLORENTINE FINISH
1/ Florentine case and dial signed Gübelin
@pleasegivemecashmere
2/ Florentine case and dial
credit: mebymotif
I personally like this reference and would like to find a platinum example with correct hands, an untouched dial and a matching buckle: a very rare and unlikely bird, of course...
What about you: does this reference appeal to you?
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel