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Patek Philippe ref. 3418 & 3419: 'Convertible' steel watches
Ref. 3418 & 3419 are called ‘Convertible’ because the 35mm case of these models, made only in stainless steel, has an unusual design, where the lugs of the leather strap or Milanese bracelet are detachable. To do this, you just need to unscrew the back cover of the case.
Ref. 3418 was launched in 1958 with a main metal bracelet and remained in production until 1962. Ref. 3419 was launched in 1960 with a main leather strap and remained in production until 1963. Apart from the main bracelet or strap, nothing really differentiates these models, except the caliber, as follows:
- Ref. 3418: 1st series (1958-1960): cal. 12-400 or 12-400 AM (anti-magnetic) // 2nd series (1960-1962): cal. 27-400 or 27-AM 400 (anti-magnetic).
- Ref. 3419 (1960-1963): al. 27-400 or 27-AM 400 (anti-magnetic).
Enjoy!
1/ Ref. 3419
credit: stetzcowatches
credit: the watch club London
credit: @atc6263
2/ Ref. 3418
credit: @misterenthusiast
credit: @wirelug
credit: @the_keystone
Patek Philippe ref. 3418 & 3419: 'Convertible' steel watches
Ref. 3418 & 3419 are called ‘ Convertible ’ because the 35mm case of these models, made only in stainless steel , has an unusual design, where the lugs of the leather strap or Milanese bracelet are detachable . To do this, you just need to unscrew the bac...
My pleasure.
I discovered their existence only recently and understand your interest. The models available today on C24 retail above €20k, which I really find to high even if their collectibility is undeniable.
Very interesting and well-made article! Monochrome and Hodinkee should take a leaf out of your book!
These references must be extremely rare! There are no examples to be found on Chrono24. Do you know of any estimates on how many of them were actually made?
Thanks for the kind words.
I actually found 2 models on C24: a 3418 with Milanese bracelet in Switzerland and a 3419 with Beyer dial and leather strap in Italy. But they retail above €20k, which I really find to high even if their collectibility is undeniable. Best. ...
Well, if an item is that rare, the seller can pretty much create a price out of thin air and wait for someone to accept it.
I was looking at a 5130R-020, that a dealer had on consignment for over a year. Having been born in Munich, that special edition would have been a great addition to my collection, but the price was far above of what 020s had ever been achieving at auction...
It's sad indeed that you weren't allocated a Munich 5130 by the brand
and that the owner of the one on consignment was asking too much. As far as the 3418 & 3419 for sale on C24 are concerned, the price is far too high imo, so it's just not for me. I will do without these 'tool' timepieces. Best, Emmanuel
As you know, they definitely can but don't care to for the moment.
But who knows what may come next (probably not in the near future, though)?
