Patek Philippe

• cal. B21 quartz movement, 13 jewels • blue sunburst dial, applied baton indexes, aperture for date, dauphine hands • 18k white gold rectangular case, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe bracelet with locking clasp

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however, the battery will require periodic replacement in the future. The dial is in good condition. The case and bracelet have minor scuffing and scratches throughout. Please be advised that while the bracelet is from Patek Philippe, the watch was not originally sold with it but rather with a leather strap as mentioned in the Extract from the Archives. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives and travel box.   Ref. 3603 was launched in 1973 and produced for about a decade thereafter. Together with two other watches from the period also featuring Beta-21 movements, the Refs. 3587 and 3597, it was among the largest wristwatches Patek Philippe produced in the 20th century.  

The Beta-21 movement was released at the Basel fair in April 1970. It was the product of nearly 10 years of research and development by C.E.H., or Centre Électronique Horloger, a consortium of many Swiss watch firms including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Piaget, I.W.C., Omega and Longines, all of which were interested in developing an electric watch movement.

Early quartz models by the C.E.H. firms all share a similar design with their large and generally more rectangular cases. This case shape was necessary to house the large rectangular shape of the movement. 

A similar example is illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum, Patek Philippe, Vol. I, Geneva: 2014. p. 249.