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 ref. 406J that we have here. Launched in the 1930s following the Art Deco period, this timepiece is inspired by the zeitgeist of its period with an 18kt yellow gold rectangular construction that boasts a variety of angles and edges for Patek’s craftsmanship to show through. This same craftsmanship is on display behind its 18kt yellow gold snap caseback with its finely finished manual-wind movement. Boasting an elegant silver dial with applied gold Arabic numerals and elegant leaf hands, with a railroad track chapter ring and equally elegant sub-seconds dial, this timepiece is the same embodiment of elegance that you might expect from a brand with Patek Philippe’s prestige.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$4,000 – $6,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
38mm x 23mm x 7mm
Model
Rectangular Dress Watch
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 9’90
Reference
406
Bracelet
Leather strap with third-party Longines buckle
Year
Circa 1935
Condition
Very good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver

THE DIAL
Boasting a silver dial with applied golden Arabic numerals and matching gold leaf hands, this ref. 406's display is and elegant and refined match for its 18kt yellow gold construction.

THE CONSTRUCTION
Measuring in at 36mm in length, this ref. 406J boasts a contemporary wrist presence as it comfortably spans across the length of the wrist like a modern timepiece and indeed its width is proportional too.

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
The watch is in very good overall condition. The lugs are soft, but the hallmark on the crown side remains visible. The case shows scratches and small nicks consistent with a watch of this vintage. The original dial is in very good condition, featuring a long Patek Philippe signature and original applied Breguet indexes. The watch is fitted with a brown leather Longines strap and a gold Longines-stamped buckle. Please note that the watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
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
A timelessly elegant design, as evidenced by the number of rectangular watches we still see today, the ref. 404J is the perfect example of how a brand like Patek Philippe can maintain such relevance over such an impressive amount of time.