Baron - Mr Red shares the serendipitous discovery and acquisition of a Patek Philippe Ref. 3541G, a vintage Calatrava that had remained unworn for nearly 50 years. This post highlights the exceptional condition of the watch, its original Gay Frères bracelet, and the unique characteristics that make this 36mm Calatrava stand out. The author's detailed account and stunning photography bring this rare find to life, emphasizing the thrill of discovering a 'time capsule' piece.
To continue my theme on vintage Calatravas...........
I never hunted this watch. It was put in front of me in Paris and I was just struck by its beauty. For a watch that was almost 50 years old, it had essentially never been worn. It came with its original Gay Freres white gold bracelet that was untouched. Dirty from sitting in a drawer for 50 years, but untocuhed. I checked with Patek Philippe and was informed that since new, the watch had never been back for service. It was not functioning when I saw it for the first time - no surprise.
I did some quick research as I had no idea how much to offer to buy it. Since 2003, just 4 examples of 3541G have come to auction. Only one had the original white gold Gay Freres bracelet.
I was quite mesmerised by its dial. Defined officially as a silvered matte dial.....
I went for lunch with Blomman. And then we went back to the watch.
The official description of the watch.......
Self-winding. Water-resistant. Calibre 27-460 M,
with nickel-finished lever movement. 37 jewels. Gyromax balance, free
sprung regulator, 18K gold rotor, movement stamped twice with the Seal
of Geneva, the silvered matte dial with applied baton indexes,
subsidiary seconds, date aperture, the circular water-resistant-type
case with stepped bezel, screw back, and
downturned lugs, dial and movement signed. 36 mm.
For a 1960s Calatrava, this was an unusual watch for sure. At 36mm it was bigger than other Calatravas. The design of the case makes the watch wear much larger on the wrist than 36mm, but to me it seemed a very nice wrist approach. I tend to wear watches between 35mm and 42mm, depending on complications and case design. This was ideal for a Calatrava.
The very first image of the watch....shot at CDG with Blomman. Minute and hour hands not synchronised. Watch not working and in need of some care. But case and dial awesome.
A closer shot of that dial...
And yet even closer...
I use some special equipment to clean the bracelet when I got home...50 years of dirt in there
Looking much nicer afterwards....
Look at how the crown is set into the case. I love that touch.....
As watches go, this is a very very hard one to hunt for. I have not seen any since I made this purchase. It would be a torture to hunt for this. For me, I am just delighted that one made itself available in the way that it did. The case is so pristine and free of issues that I do wonder if this watch had ever seen wrist time in the last 50 years.
Now, of course, it does!
