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Patek Philippe Calatrava 3820J Silver Breguet Dial Tear Drop Lugs in 18k Yellow Gold, c. 1989 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Patek Philippe Calatrava 3820J Silver Breguet Dial Tear Drop Lugs in 18k Yellow Gold, c. 1989

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe (maker)
Date
c. 1989
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
18k yellow gold
Dimensions
Case 32 mm
Stock no.
W-3686
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3686)
Catalogue title (original)
Patek Philippe Calatrava 3820J Silver Breguet Dial Tear Drop Lugs in 18k Yellow Gold (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3686), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1989. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: 18k yellow gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 32 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 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 — Bulang & Sons

Introduced in 1932 during the Great Depression, the Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 96 was heavily influenced by the German Bauhaus principle of “form follows function.” As Patek Philippe’s first serially produced wristwatch, it played a crucial role in the company’s survival by offering a modern, minimalist alternative to ornate pocket watches. Named after the 12th-century Spanish Order of Calatrava, it remains the benchmark for the classic dress watch. Here we have exactly that spirit—a true Calatrava rooted in Bauhaus ideals, where form follows function—executed in 18k yellow gold. The 32 mm case features a screw-down case back and elegant “teardrop” (or “drop”) lugs, a detail that distinguishes it from many other Calatrava references and adds a subtle touch of sophistication to the profile. The silvered dial is beautifully balanced, showcasing applied Breguet-style numerals—one of our favourite details—paired with matching Breguet-style hands without lume. Sigma markings flank the six o’clock position, and an applied dot minute track frames the dial with some “pop”. This classic example is fitted with a handsome Bulang & Sons leather strap. An original 18k Patek pin buckle is included in the sale as well. It is powered by the hand-wound Patek Philippe caliber 177, fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker, and ready to be enjoyed for years to come. If you appreciate understated elegance and historically important design, this Calatrava deserves your attention. Get in touch with us for further details or to arrange a viewing! Specifications: Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 3720J 32mm 18k yellow gold case with “tear drop “lugs and screw down case back Silvered dial with applied Breguet numerals and non-lumed Breguet style hands Bulang and sons leather strap, 18 k gold Patek Pin buckle included in the sale. Cal.177 hand wound movement Case no 282xxx movement no 136xxxx, dating to circa 1989 Fully serviced by our watchmaker

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

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.

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