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Patek Philippe

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.

An example to avoid absolutely, in my opinion.










credit: Air Sail (Pinterest), Christie’s & Bulang & Sons


2/ Example with Tiffany & Co. platinum bracelet



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

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