Introduction
While Patek’s best known dress watch might be the Calatrava, they have indeed produced a wide plethora of dress watches that speak to their traditionalistic view of horology and their classic aesthetic. Speaking to that very viewpoint is the rectangular ref. 417 dress watch that we have here. Launched in 1934 and made into the 1940s following the Art Deco period, this timepiece is inspired by the zeitgeist of its period with a rectangular platinum construction that boasts a variety of angles, lines and edges for Patek’s impressive craftsmanship to show through. This same craftsmanship is on display behind its platinum snap caseback with its finely finished manual-wind movement. Boasting an elegantly aged silver dial with applied Breguet Arabic numerals throughout and sophisticated leaf hands, with a railroad track chapter ring and equally sophisticated sunken sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock, this timepiece is the same embodiment of elegance that we have come to expect from a brand with Patek Philippe’s prestige.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
36mm x 20mm
Model
Rectangular
Movement
Manual-wind
Reference
417
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1940
Condition
Excellent
Material
Platinum
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Boasting a silver dial with applied Breguet Arabic numerals throughout alongside a sunken seconds subdial at 6 o'clock, and matching feuille hands, this example's display is an elegant and refined match for its platinum construction.
THE CONSTRUCTION
While Art-Deco in its styling, this timepiece's rectangular profile and complex stepped platinum construction give it the wrist presence of a modern dress watch.
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 overall excellent condition. The platinum case shows surface scratches, marks, and small nicks, as expected of a watch of this vintage. A still-legible hallmark remains visible on the case side. The case back retains a well-defined personal engraving. The original indelible dial is in excellent condition. There is some wear to the surface of a number of the applied Breguet hour markers, while the hands show some light marks. The long Patek Philippe signature remains raised. but appears to have been touched up at some point. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and a steel pin buckle.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
Elegant and confident in its design as a timepiece born from a bygone era, this dress watch is supremely elegant and intensely unique, even by today's standards.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
