Introduced to Patek Philippe’s catalogue in 1969 and offered in either yellow or white 18kt gold until it was discontinued in 1982, the ref. 3578 is a truly unique timepiece with respect to Patek Philippe’s aesthetically conservative and traditional sense of style. Featuring a silver dial that is undisturbed with exuberant details and only sports four 18kt white gold hour markers atop its sigma dial, the ref. 3578’s display gives the appearance of a watch that doesn’t have a lot going on. However, its construction refutes this notion indeed, with a blue lapis lazuli bezel and an intricate 18kt white gold bracelet that seamlessly integrates into its slightly rectangular 30.5mm-wide white gold case. Powered by the manual-wind cal. 175, the ref. 3578 is wonderfully thin on the wrist, and so its sense of luxurious design is communicated to the wrist through its wearing experience just like it is to the through its beautiful design and carefully constructed details.

Watch is in excellent overall condition. Minor surface wear is visible, as well as scratches on the bezel's white gold frame at 4 and 7 o'clock. There is some debris visible along the extreme corners of the dial and underneath the crystal. Watch and band measure 182mm approx total length. There is no stretch in the band.

A unique-looking watch that radiates Patek Philippe's distinguished sense of luxury, the ref. 3578 with its lapis lazuli bezel, 18kt white gold construction and intricate bracelet, is a wonderful example of how Patek Philippe can effortlessly create a watch that so seamlessly ties together a variety of different design elements.