Introduction
Famed for their luxurious take on horology and all of its facets, Patek Philippe seldom constructs their cases from metals that are not precious, like gold or platinum. As such, stainless steel examples of Patek Philippe’s timepieces are inherently rare, sought-after, and unusual. Offered here, we have one of those very timepieces, the Calatrava ref. 3483 made from stainless steel. Launched in 1963 and produced to around 500 pieces, the ref. 3483 contrasts the Calatrava’s elegant dress watch persona and has become legendary due to its position as one of the very few stainless steel vintage Patek Philippe references. Combined with its stainless steel construction, the ref. 3483 is also sought-after due to its uncharacteristically large 35mm case diameter being far more significant than the 30mm-33mm cases that would have been run-of-the-mill at the time. Featuring a manual-wind cal. 27SC movement and a screw-down case on top of its large steel case, the ref. 3483 seems right at home in today’s horological landscape, with its beautiful classically styled dial serving as a reminder of the time from which it has come.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Extract of the Archives
Est. value range
$10,000 – $20,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
35mm x 9.5mm
Model
Calatrava
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 27SC
Reference
3483
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1967
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainess steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Featuring a bright silver dial that forms a monochromatic aesthetic when combined with the ref. 3483's stainless steel case, its display is remarkably clear thanks to its lack of otherwise distracting elements.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Measuring 35mm in diameter, the ref. 3483 increases its already large-for-the-time wrist presence with its brightly polished flat bezel and relatively straight lugs that increase its profile on the wrist and make it much easier to wear in the modern horological landscape than its measurements suggest.
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 excellent overall condition. The case exhibits minor signs of surface wear, with some small scratches and marks visible. The acrylic crystal has scratches and marks on the surface, with the most noticeable one being on the lower 6 o'clock edge. The dial shows various small marks on its surface, with some spotting and scratches visible. Patek Philippe signature is strong, and the accent on E in Geneve is still visible. Indexes have light oxidation on the surface, and the hands show some wear and scratches. Watch comes on a generic strap with a generic buckle. Watch comes with its Extract of the Archives. Please note that while the watch ticks at time of cataloging, the timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
The 3483 and its generation of waterproof models is a favorite of mine among mid-century Patek Calatravas. With a generous 35mm case size and a waterproof screwback design, the watch is as durable as it is elegant.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
