Why This Watch Matters With an innovative back wind movement and Tiffany signature, this isn't your standard Patek. The Full Story You don't become one of the world's most respected watchmakers without innovation. Research and development is one thing that, throughout the brand's entire history, Patek Philippe has never been afraid of. Look no further than this ref. 3569 to understand Patek's continual pushing of the envelope in the world of watchmaking. In a project that spanned just about the entire decade, Patek Philippe filed a patent for a self-winding, peripheral-winding movement in 1965. The fruits of that patent eventually came to market in 1969 with the caliber 350 and the ref. 3569, among a few other executions. As opposed to a traditional self-winding movement with a central rotor, the peripheral-winding caliber 350 works from the outside in. Among other benefits, this outer rotor allows for an overall slimmer movement. For more information about these "backwind" movements, click here for a comprehensive article by Jon Bues, right here on HODINKEE. The ref. 3569 was in production from 1969 to 1986 and is the largest case diameter execution of Patek's caliber 350. The concept of a backwind watch was ingenious, making it easy to wear for both a right or left-handed person. Beyond innovation, this 18k yellow gold example has a bit of extra flair at six o'clock. The relationship between New York's Tiffany & Co. and Patek Philippe dates all the way back to 1851. There's something special about knowing that the original owner walked into Tiffany & Co., or ordered from the catalog when it came time to treat themselves to a new watch. Used in the 1970s and 80s, this particular Tiffany stamp is one of our favorites. It is referred to as the Western font by collectors. We paired this ref. 3569 with our Bedford suede watch strap in navy for that classic, navy and yellow gold look. The Fine Print Maker: Patek PhilippeModel: CalatravaReference: 3569Year: 1970sCase No: 2702397Movement No: 1181549Material: 18k yellow goldDimensions: 35.5mm diameter; 8.3mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoneCaliber: Patek Philippe, self-winding, caliber 350Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Bedford Suede Watch Strap In NavyLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - "Backwind" peripherally-wound caliber 350 inside- Tiffany & Co. retailer stamp- Near "new old stock" condition Things To Know: - Very light scratches on case- Slight area of patina on dial at two o'clock This watch is overall excellent, very attractive condition. We believe that watch to have been worn very sparingly if at all. The case is strong with scratches; it appears to be unpolished. The lugs are in good condition with some scratches on the reverse side from strap removal. The distinct lug design is still noticeable and the facets are clearly defined. The hallmark is clearly visible on the caseback. There are a few scratches on the caseback, likely from a previous removal attempt. The dial is in great condition; it's very clean with a few light marks throughout. There is a bit of patina on the dial near two o'clock that is only visible in some lights. The hands and hour markers are in good condition with a light patina. The Patek and Tiffany signatures are both very crisp. The sunburst finish on the dial is also still clearly present coming out from the center. The excellent dial condition on this example is particularly important to highlight as most "backwind" Pateks are more often than not found in fair condition or with dials that have been replaced during service. While innovative, the crown on the caseback increases the chance of moisture entering the watch from the wrist when proper precautions are not taken. This is further evidence of the very light to virtually no wear this watch has seen. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by Patek. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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