Produced for less than ten years, this 1960s Patek Philippe Ref. 3440, with its self-winding movement and threaded case back, encapsulates the technical and design qualities that have elevated this manufacturer to the pinnacle of the industry.

The 34mm wide 18k gold case bears the mark of the Swiss case maker, Antoine Gerlach, who worked on some of Patek Philippe’s best known watch models of that era. The beveled bezel, the striking lugs in three facets, and slightly recessed “PP” crown are very well preserved. The original dial focuses on refinement and restraint, with its elongated gold hour indicators and logo in raised enamel.

Powered by caliber 27-460, this movement with automatic winding is particularly agile, given its full rotor in 18k gold and 37 jewels. The superb quality and finishing of the movement and case are underlined by the Poinçon de Genève quality mark, which is stamped twice on this example.