Patek Philippe Ref. 3603 Quartz Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1973
This Patek Philippe Ref. 3603 is an 18K yellow gold quartz wristwatch produced in 1973 and sold on January 23, 1974. The watch features a rectangular two-body case that is finished with polished and brushed surfaces and a snap-on back.
The satiné champagne dial is equipped with applied faceted yellow gold baton indexes and a date aperture located at the 6 o'clock position, complemented by yellow gold dauphine hands. The movement powering the timepiece is the CEH Beta 21 caliber, an early electronic module developed through a consortium of Swiss watchmakers, including Patek Philippe, to advance quartz timekeeping. The watch measures 33 x 37 mm with a thickness of 11 mm.
Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives, the timepiece represents the early adoption of high-frequency quartz technology by the maker during the transition period of 1970s electronic watchmaking.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Quartz wristwatch
- Movement
- CEH Beta 21
- Dimensions
- 33 x 37 mm
- Case Number
- 2732398
- Date of Sale
- January 23rd, 1974
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Number
- 8092
- Date of Manufacture
- 1973
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe & Cie
- Oscillator Frequency
- 8192 Hz
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a rectangular, two-body yellow gold case, which displays both polished and brushed finishes. The design features a snap-on case back that seals the electronic module within. Measuring 33 mm by 37 mm with a depth of 11 mm, the case is proportioned to house the early Beta 21 quartz movement. The dial is finished in a satiné champagne, providing a textured backdrop for the applied faceted yellow gold baton hour markers. Time is indicated by gold dauphine hands. A specific feature of this model is the jump-type date aperture located at the 6 o'clock position, which integrates into the lower portion of the dial design.
- Visible features
- • Satiné champagne dial with vertical brushing texture • Jump-type date display at the 6 o'clock position • Rectangular yellow gold case with integrated lugs • Dark textured leather strap with matching yellow gold tone buckle
- Signatures and Documentation
- The watch is signed by Patek Philippe & Cie on the dial, movement, and case. These signatures confirm the identification of the manufacturer for each primary component. The auction description notes that the movement is numbered 8092 and the case is numbered 2732398. To verify the authenticity and origin of the watch, it is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives provided by the manufacturer. This document confirms the dates of production and sale, establishing the timeline for the watch since its exit from the Geneva workshops in the early 1970s.
- Movement and Technical Specifications
- The timepiece is driven by the CEH Beta 21 caliber, an electronic movement measuring 29 x 24.3 mm. This movement was the result of a collaborative project involving twenty-one Swiss watchmaking firms, including Patek Philippe, which sought to develop a precise electronic alternative to mechanical calibers. The movement utilizes a quartz oscillator vibrating at a frequency of 8192 Hz, which is reduced to 256 Hz through an internal frequency reducer. The construction of the Beta 21 involved a division of labor among consortium members, with the CEH managing the module design and integrated circuit, while other partners handled parts and motor components.
Identification
- Reference
- 3603
- Serial number
- 2732398
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Movement condition is reported as good with an overhaul recommended
- Research required: The case and dial condition are assigned a grade of 3, indicating signs of wear