18ct yellow gold Patek Philippe ref. 3878 Squelette automatic wristwatch, 1991 — view 1 of 4 — View 1 of 4 · Image: Somlo Antiques · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

View 1 of 4 · Image: Somlo Antiques · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

18ct yellow gold Patek Philippe ref. 3878 Squelette automatic wristwatch, 1991

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.

Maker / attribution: Patek Philippe (maker)
Date: 1991
Historical period: Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Country of origin: Switzerland
Object type: Wristwatch
Materials / technique: yellow gold
Dimensions: Case 31 mm
Dealer: Somlo Antiques (dealer), London
Stock no.: G3380
Credit line: Dealer listing, Somlo Antiques (G3380)
Catalogue title (original): 18ct yellow gold Patek Philippe ref. 3878 Squelette automatic wristwatch. Made 1991 (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Somlo Antiques (dealer), London (stock number G3380), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1991. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: yellow gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 31 mm. The record is illustrated with 4 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Somlo Antiques

The tradition of skeletonising Patek Philippe movement's goes back to the 1860s when Patek produced a small series of skeleton pocket watches. These pieces were often made for exhibitions and display purposes so that Patek Philippe could showcase their high degree of finish. It was not until the late 1970s that skeleton pocket watches were added back into the line with references such as the 894. Every possible part of the gold bridges was fully engraved by hand. The 18k case held the structure in place and only the setting mechanism, mainspring, and parts of the escapement were made of steel. The mastery of the art of engraving is shown in full force within these miniature works of art. Brand: Patek Philippe Made: 1991 Model: Squelette Reference: 3878 Calibre: 240 Skeleton Movement: Automatic Material: 18ct yellow gold case Features/complications: 18ct yellow gold skeletonised movement Dial: Skeletonised dial with black spade hour and minute hands. Case dimensions: 31mm Bracelet/strap: Leather strap with 18ct gold buckle Accessories: - SKU: 3380

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timeline More wristwatches from this period Earlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Automatic (self-winding) watches

Self-winding watches use the wearer's motion to wind the mainspring. Abraham-Louis Perrelet and Breguet made 'perpétuelle' pocket watches with oscillating weights in the late eighteenth century, but the principle only became practical in the wristwatch. John Harwood patented a bumper automatic in 1923; Rolex's Perpetual rotor (1931) winding in one direction, and later bidirectional rotors (Eterna, Felsa Bidynator), established the modern form. Micro-rotors (Universal Genève, Buren) and peripheral rotors made automatic watches thinner.

What to look for

A semicircular rotor turning 360° over the movement, or a 'bumper' weight that rebounds between springs.
'Automatic', 'Perpetual' or 'Self-winding' on the dial.
A sealed screw-back case, since automatic watches are wound less often by the crown.

Dating clues

Bumper automatics: 1923–c. 1955.
Full rotors: from 1931 (Rolex); widespread after c. 1950.
Micro-rotors: from 1954–1958.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Mechanisms mentioned

Mainspring — Component
Self-winding (automatic) mechanism — Component

Record completeness

Maker or attributionRecorded
DateRecorded
Place or countryRecorded
MaterialsRecorded
DimensionsRecorded
Narrative descriptionRecorded
Inscriptions / marksNot in source
ProvenanceNot in source
Several photographsRecorded

Editorial status: Documented — facts as published by the source; not independently verified by Atlas editors.

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Sources & image rights

Record source: Somlo Antiques (dealer), London (opens another website in a new tab).

Image rights: © Somlo Antiques — dealer photographs; permission required (opens another website in a new tab).

Images are hosted by the Atlas for study and credited to their owner. Rights holders may request correction, credit changes or removal, or grant permission, via the editorial office.

Cite this record

"18ct yellow gold Patek Philippe ref. 3878 Squelette automatic wristwatch, 1991." Somlo Antiques (dealer), London, G3380. Catalogue record in The Horology Atlas, WatchMuseum.org, https://atlas.watchmuseum.org/museum/18ct-yellow-gold-patek-philippe-ref-3878-squelette-automatic-wristwatc-d58e76.