Introduction
Famed for their incredible array of dress watches, Patek Philippe often wows their collectors with some of the most luxurious and best-constructed timepieces that money can buy. Due to their iconic sports watches and immaculate complicated offerings attracting the most attention these days, their understated vintage offerings have gone relatively under the radar. Perhaps a perfect example of this is the Patek Philippe ref. 3799 that we have here. Hailing from the 1970s, the ref. 3799 features a wonderfully under-the-radar rectangular “Tank-style” 18kt white gold 31mm x 28mm case with a thin bezel and an integrated mesh bracelet. Made by the famed Genevan bracelet atelier Jean-Pierre Ecoffey, as denoted by the JPE logo on its clasp, this bracelet is an incredibly luxurious addition to the ref. 3799’s otherwise understated construction. Combining with the mesh bracelet is the ref. 3799’s hand-engraved golden dial whereby the texture on the bracelet is mirrored by the engraved markings on the center of the dial. Surrounded by a vertical satin finish that houses applied indices, the ref. 3799 merges perfect legibility with an appealing sense of craftsmanship and luxury. Powered by a manual-wind cal. 215, the ref. 3799 the genuine vintage look and feel that so many modern timepieces have tried to emulate thanks to the simple fact that it hails from the period from which today’s designers are drawing their inspiration as they chase the sense of horological delight that timepieces like the ref. 3799 radiate in abundance.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
31mm x 28mm
Model
Gondolo
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 215
Reference
3799G
Bracelet
18kt white gold bracelet by JPE (Jean-Pierre Ecoffey)
Year
Circa late 1970s - early 1980s
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt white gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Gold
THE DIAL
Featuring a golden dial with applied indices, faceted hands and a vertically-brushed chapter ring, this ref. 3799's display is made all the more special thanks to its hand-engraved center portion that translates the texture of its bracelet onto its display.
THE CONSTRUCTION
While it features pleasing proportions at 31mm x 28mm, the ref. 3799 wears a little larger than its measurements suggest thanks to its 18kt white gold mesh bracelet from famed Genevan bracelet atelier Jean-Pierre Ecoffey.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case show some wear, including various surface marks and scratches. The hallmarks on the 9 o'clock side of the case are still visible. Dial in very good overall condition. There is some wear and oxidation along the edge in several places. Mesh band is in excellent shape with light wear and minimal stretch. The watch fits an approx 7" wrist.
Our Perspective
Fantastically wearable and intricately made from dial to bracelet, this ref. 3799 represents the craftsmanship and attention-to-detail that allowed Patek Philippe to become the revered watchmaker that they remain to this day.
Sam Hines
Managing Director
