Lot #2369
Patek Philippe Calatrava 3509 Waterproof Case Stainless Steel with Guarantee
How do I bid? Start here
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. 3509 made from stainless steel. Contrasting the Calatrava’s elegant dress watch persona, the ref. 3509 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. 3509 is also sought-after due to screw-down caseback, which was an impressive departure from Patek’s more common snap-on casebacks. Featuring a manual-wind movement and a simple silver dial with applied indices and sword-shaped hands, the ref. 3509 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
Original Guarantee and Hang Tag
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
33mm
Model
Calatrava
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 23-300
Reference
3509
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1969
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, papers, hang tags and booklets
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Featuring a bright silver dial that forms a monochromatic aesthetic when combined with the ref. 3509's stainless steel case, its display is remarkably clear thanks to its lack of otherwise distracting elements.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Measuring just 33mm in diameter, the ref. 3509 increases its 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. However, it nonetheless retains its vintage charm in abundance.
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 .Caseback exhibits some light corrosion in some spots as seen in the images. The dial is in excellent condition with little to no wear visible.
Our Perspective
An important addition to Patek Philippe's arsenal since it aided their expansion into steel watches, the ref. 3509's importance cannot be overstated since it paved the way for watches like the Nautilus, Aquanaut and so many other great steel watches from Patek.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
