Patek Philippe. A very rare and attractive stainless steel anti-magnetic wristwatch

Never offered in public before, the present reference 3417 immediately exudes the feel of a watch that has enjoyed minimal intervention over the years, the dial is in particular extremely well preserved displaying that ever so elusive and pleasing effect that can only be conferred by the hand of time.

The “type 1” dial seen on this watch was used between 1961 and early 1963, in common with the so-called “indelible” dial which preceded it (1958-1960) it is distinguished by the absence of the word “Swiss” at 6 o’clock.

Manufacture of reference 3417 was begun in 1958 and ceased around 1970. It was Patek Philippe's first "Anti-Magnetic" wristwatch made in series, available exclusively in stainless steel. At the time of its launch, the "Amagnetic" feature was a sign of superiority and consequently mentioned on the dial.
The first series were fitted with a cal. 12 AM 400 movement, as of 1960, the calibre 27-AM 400 was used until the models' discontinuation. The caliber 12 AM 400 movement is regarded by many as the most desirable manual movement made by Patek Philippe, it is fitted with a gold or beryllium lever escapement and covered by a soft iron (permalum) cap. The caliber was designed to withstand up to 450 oersteds of magnetic strength, in other words, more than four times the level of magnetism needed to stop a standard watch.

The present watch is an exceptional and original example of the reference 3417, a timepiece that is sure to attract the most discerning of collectors.

For further details and illustrations of reference 3417 see:
Patek Philippe Amagnetic, ref. 3417, MStanga, 2015.
Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 342-349.
Patek Philippe – The Authorized Biography, Nicholas Foulkes, 2016, pp. 212-215.