
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Patek Philippe Ref. 3542 18k Yellow Gold w/ Box & Original Papers, 1967
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- 1967
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- 18k yellow gold
- Dimensions
- Case 36 mm
- Stock no.
- PP354218YG
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (PP354218YG)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1967 Patek Philippe Ref. 3542 18k Yellow Gold w/ Box & Original Papers (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number PP354218YG), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1967. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: 18k yellow gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 36 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 — Craft & Tailored
There is the saying that “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” and we think this couldn't be truer especially with Patek Philippe references such as this rare oversized Patek Philippe 3542. The movement in this 1967 ref 3542 is the automatic winding Patek Philippe Caliber 27-460 and is in perfect condition. The automatic self-winding Patek Philippe caliber 27-460 movement, is stamped twice with the seal of Geneva quality mark, and the Patek Philippe seal as well features a beautifully decorated and massive 18k winding rotor. Additionally what is rare about this specific reference is that the running subsidiary seconds chapter is at the 6 o’clock position on the dial as opposed to being within the center of the dial and hand stack which is more common with automatic movements. This Patek is classic and timeless, this would be a great addition to a collection lacking a formal dress watch. This timepiece would pair great with a tuxedo or suit as it would fit perfectly under the coat sleeve and is simple yet ultimately refined. Stock # PP354218YG Brand Patek Philippe Style Calatrava Model 3542 Serial 11XXXXX Size Men's Material 18k YG Dial White Roman Numeral Millimeters 36mm Bracelet Alligator Strap w/ Original Patek 18k YG Buckle CASE & BRACELET The 18k YG case is in beautiful condition and believed to be unpolished, showing sharp factory finishing. The original Patek Philippe crown is original to the piece and is in wonderful condition. The lug hallmarks are intact and visible as is the reference and serial numbers on the inside of the case back. The watch will be supplied with a leather strap and original Patek Phillipe 18k YG buckle. DIAL & HANDS The original white dial remains in a flawless condition, free from any blemishing or marks. The Patek Philippe signed dial is enameled as are the roman numerals when looking at the dial under a loupe. The subsidiary seconds chapter is at the 6 o’clock position on the dial which is a nice feature not commonly seen on an automatic movement ACCESSORIES This Patek Philippe Ref. 3542 retains its original Patek certificate as well as an original Patek Phillipe clamshell style box. The watch is keeping time and running flawlessly but extended service history is unknown.
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
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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