Patek Philippe Ref. 3257/3 — 18K yellow gold, 1960s

Price upon request

Identity

Patek Philippe Ref. 3257/3, 1960s. Manual-winding mechanical movement. 18-carat yellow gold case, rectangular 20 mm format, signed Calatrava cross crown. Champagne dial, applied baton indexes, T SWISS T marking. Mineral domed crystal. 18-carat gold cuff bracelet with double openworked sculpted links, unsigned, concealed clasp with safety tongue.

Horological context

Through the 1960s, Patek Philippe developed its haute-joaillerie tradition by absorbing the codes of the brutalist movement then transforming European jewellery. The movement — born from the dialogue between the organic Scandinavian sculptural form carried by Björn Weckström at Lapponia and the rupture with classical figurative jewellery led by independent designers such as Andrew Grima in London and Gilbert Albert in Geneva, head of Patek's workshop from 1955 to 1962 — redefined the lady jewellery watch. Gold was no longer polished nor set with stones: it was sculpted, textured, openworked, transformed into architecture. Patek entrusted specialised external chaînistes, Gay Frères and Ponti Gennari among them, with the production of bracelets executed in solid gold, integrated into the case in a unified composition that erased the traditional distinction between watch and bracelet. These pieces, produced in small series or as unique examples, constitute one of the most singular expressions of feminine watchmaking of the decade.

Character

Rectangular case set within the sculpted frame of the bracelet, forming a continuous visual ensemble. Cuff bracelet with double openworked links, brutalist striated outer finish, smooth interior. Signed Calatrava cross crown, 18-carat gold hallmark on the caseback.

Serviced watch. Very good condition. Delivered with the brand box and the Contre-Temps 24-month warranty certificate.