
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Patek Philippe Square Gondolo Dresswatch 3404P Silver Engraved Dial with Extract of the Archives, 1965
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- 1965
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- silver
- Dimensions
- Case 33 mm
- Stock no.
- W-3368
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3368)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Patek Philippe Square Gondolo Dresswatch 3404P Silver Engraved Dial with Extract of the Archives (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3368), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1965. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: silver. Recorded dimensions: Case 33 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
This stunning Patek Philippe Ref. 3404 in "heavy metal" platinum is a true gem from the glamorous mid-1960s. Its sleek square case, measuring 27.5 x 33 mm, exudes understated elegance, perfect for special occasions or to elevate your everyday style with a touch of timeless class. Rare in platinum—only a handful have ever appeared on the market, this piece boasts a fascinating detail: t he “crystal” is actually glass—flat on top and carved from the inside, which creates a mesmerizing visual over the silver dial, with the hour markers engraved directly into the metal for a subtle, luxurious touch. The square case was meticulously crafted by the esteemed case maker Markowsky, renowned for creating some of the most iconic and refined cases in Patek Philippe’s storied history. And those prominent 22 mm lugs? They demand a broader strap, amplifying the watch’s commanding presence on the wrist—more bold than mere elegance, a true statement piece. Fitted with a beautiful leather strap and original Patek Philippe 18k white gold pin buckle, this watch is as comfortable as it is captivating. Plus, it comes with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, confirming its birth in 1965 and its sale later that year in October—adding a layer of history to its undeniable charm. Fully serviced by our expert watchmaker, this timepiece boasts the hand-wound Caliber 23-300, ready to adorn your wrist with its timeless allure. Rare, elegant, and undeniably captivating—this platinum Patek Philippe is destined to be the crown jewel of any collection. Reach out now and let this exquisite piece become yours. Specifications: Patek Philippe “Gondolo “ reference 3404P Rare Platinum case with 22 mm lugs , snapback 27.5 x 33 mm case size (measured without the lugs) No Lume Silver dial with hand engraved hour indexes Caliber 23-300 hand-wound movement Movement number no 798xxxx / case no 263xxxx dating to 1965 Coming on the photographed leather strap with 18k white gold Patek' pin buckle Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, stating a date of manufacture in 1965 and a date of sale in October of the same year. Fully serviced by our watchmaker
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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