Launched in 1969 just as the Quartz Crisis was about to begin, the Patek Philippe ref. 3587 was Patek’s very first attempt to compete with Japanese watchmakers who had just launched the cheaper, trendier, and more accurate quartz movement to the market. Powered by the Beta 21 quartz movement, the culmination of 20 watchmaker’s collaborative efforts such as Patek, Piaget, Omega, and plenty of others over a period of 6 years of R&D, the ref. 3587 that we have here represents the most advanced horological technology of its day. Offered in a cushion-shaped 18kt white gold case made byAtelier Reunis (casemaker mark 28 as seen in the inside case back) that measures 42mm in diameter with a screw-down caseback, the ref. 3587 is a bona fide icon of 1960s and 1970s horological design, with its integrated ‘holed’ bracelet offering a glimpse into the direction that watchmaking would be catapulted towards. Boasting a stunning silver dial with a date aperture at 3 o’clock, the ref. 3587’s display is as beautiful as the rest of the watch as it caps off a monochromatic aesthetic that serves to contrast the relative complexity of its quartz movement.

Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case shows minor surface wear, with a few visible scratches and marks along the surface. Gold Helvetia hallmark is still visible on 9 o'clock case side. Caseback has a few scratches and toolmarks visible. Original silver dial is in excellent condition with only minor flaws. There are some visible areas of wear along dial edge, as well as a few minor spots visible on the surface. Bracelet fits an approx 7 3/4" wrist. Bracelet clasp has some scratches but the Calatrava cross remains well defined.

An aesthetically unique timepiece that combined the latest of Patek's horological efforts with an avant-garde design that broke from the brand's conservative design language, the ref. 3587 was most certainly ahead of its time.