Just added to the webstore and opening up this newsletter is one of the most instantly recognisable dress watches by Patek Philippe. The model, a Ref. 3520, was first introduced in 1965 when Patek advertised it as the world’s flattest, water-resistant type watch. Made in 18ct yellow gold, this example was manufactured in 1991 and carries the full reference 3520D, where ‘D’ stands for ‘décor’ and relates to the hobnail patterned bezel. The dial is a pure white which Patek refers to as ‘porcelain white’. The watch is in excellent condition and is fitted with a Patek Philippe leather strap, 18ct gold Patek buckle and is accompanied by a Patek leather folder containing booklets and an Extract from the Archives.
Another highlight just added is the stainless steel triple calendar Jaeger-LeCoultre wristwatch shown above. The steel case is a stunning design with elongated tear-drop lugs and a large, 36mm diameter case. This model incorporates LeCoultre’s calibre 484 movement which was first introduced in 1945. Interestingly, the serial number of this watch suggests a date of 1945, meaning that this may be one of the earliest examples to use the calibre. The case and movement of this watch are in good condition for their age, however, the watch was stored for many years without its crystal and the dial became heavily tarnished, dirty and oxidized – consequently, this has been professionally restored. The pink gold numerals and hands are original and provide an attractive contrast to the steel of the watch’s case. One is struck by the relatively slim proportions of the watch which is achieved despite the complexity and additional parts required to incorporate the triple calendar mechanism into the model. Jaeger-LeCoultre controlled the depth necessary between the dial’s surface and the crystal by ingeniously allowing the date indicating hand to lie almost flush with the surface of the dial, but with a step to its end to both allow the hour hand to pass seamlessly above it, and the applied numerals to pass beneath it.
Dating to 1961 is one of the finest examples of the Rolex Oyster, Ref. 6426, that I’ve seen (photos above). The dial has acquired a very light and even patina that gives the surface a wonderful warmth, complimenting the gold coloured numerals and contrasting with the blued steel centre seconds hand. Interestingly, unlike the majority of Oyster models of the period, there are no luminescent accents to the numerals or hands. The stainless steel case retains excellent definition and has only 2 or 3 small indentations. The watch is accompanied by its original green Rolex presentation box which can be opened up to form a stand. We have fitted this watch with a new, Hirsch, tan coloured Camelgrain strap.
Shown above is an extremely elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre gentleman’s dress watch – made in the mid 1960s, this watch incorporates LeCoultre’s thin calibre 818 movement which has a movement height of just 2.94mm and was first introduced in 1959. The satin finished silvered dial has incised polished baton numerals and the maker’s signature is handsomely arranged in place of the 3 o’clock marker, whilst the Jaeger-LeCoultre logo is applied below 12 o’clock. The watch is in very attractive overall condition; there is a small scratch to the dial parallel to the 2 o’clock marker but the dial is otherwise blemish free. The serial number to the outside of the case back remains clear and well defined. We have fitted the watch with a new, Hirsch, brown Lizard skin strap.
In 1954, Omega introduced the reference 2690 – this model featured a calibre 420 movement with protective press-in movement cover and screw-down back. The handsome 2690 shown above has just been added to the website and features a superb honeycomb dial that has a rich and even, golden patination. The serial number of this watch dates it to circa 1954, suggesting production in the same year that the model was launched.
Dating to 1966 is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, Ref. 1803, shown above. This is a stunning example of the model with a beautiful, silvery-grey, satin finished dial that is entirely blemish free. The outer edge of the dial is faceted and sunken, thereby creating a two-tone effect and enhancing the play of light across the whole surface. In great overall condition, this is a classic automatic Rolex model with a substantial 36mm diameter case.
Two other watches just added are the Jaeger-LeCoultre lady’s wristwatch shown above left and the steel Omega to its right. The lady’s Jaeger was made at the end of the 1940s and has an attractively designed steel case with faceted and flared lugs. The steel Omega is a Ref. 131.019 and was made around 1967. This watch has applied numerals and a 17 jewel, calibre 601 movement with centre seconds.