Patek Philippe Beta 21 3603-1

Patek Philippe Beta 21 Quartz Blue Dial 18k WG with Box and Guarantee

Launched in 1973 following the onslaught of the Quartz Crisis, the Patek Philippe ref. 3603 was one of Patek’s earliest attempts to compete with Japanese watchmakers who were flooding the market with cheaper, trendier, and more accurate watches. Powered by the Beta 21 quartz movement, the culmination of 20 watchmaker’s collaborative efforts such as Patek, Piaget, Omega, and plenty of others over a period of 6 years of R&D, the ref. 3603 that we have here represents the most advanced horological technology of its day. Offered in a rectangular 18kt white gold case that measures 33mm wide, 38.5mm tall, and 11mm tall, the ref. 3603 is a bona fide icon of 1970s horological design, with its integrated bracelet offering a glimpse into the direction that watchmaking would be catapulted towards. Boasting a stunning blue soleil dial with a date aperture at 6 o’clock, the ref. 3603’s sigma display is as beautiful as the rest of the watch. Brand : Patek Philippe Dimensions : 33mm x 38.5mm Model : Beta 21 Movement : Quartz Beta 21 Reference : 3603/1 Bracelet : 18k WG Bracelet Year : 1974 Condition : Excellent Material : 18kt white gold Included : Guarantee Papers and Box Dial Color : Blue THE DIAL Sporting a blue sunburst dial with 18kt white gold applied hour markers, dauphine hands, and date aperture border, the ref. 3603's dial is both understated and luxurious. THE CONSTRUCTION Championing the angular aesthetics of the 1970s, the ref. 3603's rectangular case speaks to the design language of its era, a design language that is once again in vogue. THE PROFILE While its profile is certainly blocky, the ref. 3603 actually wears neater than one might assume, thanks to its very agreeable 11mm height.