ref.3466
Stainless steel, Self-winding

A very fine and rare stainless steel self-winding wristwatch ref.3466.
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch in 1965 and its subsequent sale on November 6th. 1965.

First introduced to the market in 1962, ref.3466 remained in production for approximately ten years before it was discontinued in the early 1970s. Housed in a water-resistant, stainless steel case, the model was a sporty and technical alternative to its time-only siblings dressed in precious metals. Compared to gold in Patek Philippe's mid-century production, stainless steel was a much rarer offering.

Dubbed by many as “la grande dame des automatiques Suisse,” the automatic caliber 27-460 is the successor to the first automatic movement produced by Patek Philippe, the caliber 12-600 AT, which powered Patek Philippe’s mostly precious metal, time-only watches from 1953 until 1960. When the caliber 27-460 replaced the 12-600 AT, it was upgraded with a sturdier ball bearing mount for the winding rotor, among other adjustments. It then remained in production until 1985, when it was replaced by the caliber 240 with micro-rotor. Most striking is the full 18k yellow gold rotor, beautifully and lavishly finished and quite large. To use such a costly mechanism inside a steel watch was rare for Patek Philippe, and adds to the importance of this 3466.