Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Patek Philippe Calatrava Limited Edition Cream Dial (Ref. 3718A), 1989
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- 1989
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 33.5 mm
- Stock no.
- Product 8145326833847
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Huntington Company (product 8145326833847)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1989 Patek Philippe Calatrava Limited Edition Cream Dial (Ref. 3718A) (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Huntington Company (dealer) (stock number Product 8145326833847), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1989. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 33.5 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 — Huntington Company
Worth The Read The Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 3718A is a rare and highly sought-after limited edition Calatrava produced in stainless steel to commemorate the brand’s 150th anniversary in 1989. Originally intended for the Japanese market, only 500 pieces were made, making it one of the most elusive modern Calatravas. The watch features a 33.5mm stainless steel case—a departure from the precious metals typically used in the Calatrava line—and a beautifully understated cream dial with printed black markers and slender baton hands. The result is a clean, perfectly balanced design that honors Patek’s pure dress watch tradition. Inside the 3718A is the manual-wind Caliber 215, one of Patek Philippe’s most reliable and finely finished time-only movements. The choice of steel and minimal dial design was a nod to Japanese collectors’ appreciation for discreet, functional elegance. Today, the 3718A is considered a grail piece among Calatrava collectors and one of the finest examples of Patek Philippe’s ability to blend historical significance, rarity, and timeless design. It remains a benchmark for the brand’s enduring philosophy of restraint and craftsmanship. Specifications Reference: 3718A Model: Calatrava Movement: Automatic Year: 1989 Contents: Watch only Case: The case measures 33.5mm. The limited edition 3718 is stainless steel Dial: The dial is a beautiful gloss cream finish. Strap & Buckle: Our handmade lizard strap and the orginsl buckle.
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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