Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Stainless Steel Patek Philippe Ellipse (Ref. 3931) "Beyer" Cosigned Dial W/ Archive, 1986
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- 1986
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- stainless steel
- Stock no.
- PP3931SSB
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (PP3931SSB)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1986 Stainless Steel Patek Philippe Ellipse (Ref. 3931) "Beyer" Cosigned Dial W/ Archive (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number PP3931SSB), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1986. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: stainless steel. 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 with this stainless steel Elipse Ref. 3931. Some of the rarest and most sought after Patek Philippe watches were manufactured in stainless steel, this is because the vast majority of Patek watches are produced in precious metals, excluding the Nautilus of course. This Ref. 3931 remains fully original and features a beautiful and untouched white porcelain dial, that is cosigned with the retailer Beyer. Cosigned dials are some of the most collectible dial variants for vintage watches, as their production and availability are very scarce. This watch also includes its original strap and buckle, and comes complete with an "Extract From The Archive". This watch is powered by the impressive Patek E23-C inhouse quartz movement. This Patek is classic, timeless, and also versatile. Having a traditional dress watch appearance with the stainless steel case makes this watch universal within your wardrobe, whether it be paired with a tuxedo or casual attire. Stock # PP3931SSB Brand Patek Philippe Style Ellipse Model 3931 Serial 1.58X.XXX/2.83X.XXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial White Porcelain "Beyer" Millimeters 30X34 Bracelet 2pc Patek Philippe Crocodile Leather Strap with SS Patek Philippe Buckle CASE & BRACELET The excellent stainless steel case shows very little wear from use. The Patek Philippe signed stainless steel crown remains original to the watch. The sapphire crystal is free of blemishes. The original Patek Philippe crocodile leather strap lightly worn and the stainless steel Patek Philippe buckle is original to the watch. DIAL & HANDS The stunning white porcelain "Beyer" cosigned dial is in excellent original condition. The railway outer minute track and Roman numerals create a wonderful contrast making the dial highly visible. The original hands remain in flawless condition. ACCESSORIES The watch comes with Patek Philippe Extract From the Archive. The watch is keeping time and running flawlessly, extended service history is unknown.
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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