PATEK PHILIPPE BETA 21 3597 2 18K

PATEK PHILIPPE BETA 21 3597 2 18K
Details
Stock # SKU19538
Stock # 19538
Model Name Beta 21
Brand
Model Ref # 3597 2
Condition Mint
Gender Mens
Movement Beta 21
Case 18K Yellow Gold
Case Shape Cushion
Case Size 43mm x 11.8mm
Crystal
Band / Strap Bracelet
Dial Blue
Caseback Solid
Complications Date
Year 1971
Additional Information Very rare removable bracelet.
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Description
The Beta 21 movement was the fruit of a collaborative effort, named the Centre Electronique Horloger, which got underway in 1962 and was sponsored by over 20 leading Swiss watch brands. The prototype movement debuted in 1967. In 1968, a consortium of Swiss manufacturers pooled their resources and manufacturing capabilities to mass produce the calibers. The first watches containing the Beta 21 movement arrived on the market in 1970.

The Beta 21 is an electronic caliber. The movement features a quartz crystal and interestingly, while the natural oscillation rate of the quartz crystal is 8192 Hz, Patek reduced the oscillation rate to 256 Hz by means of a proprietary frequency reducer. The seconds hand sweeps (versus the usual ticking of quartz regulated movements), and the caliber has 13 jewels. A date is provided at the 3 o’clock position.

This reference 3597 2 Patek has a cushion shaped 18k gold case which measures 42mm long by 43mm wide by 11.8mm thick. Bezel is stepped. The crystal is sapphire and the case construction is two part. The screw down back on this case is practically a manhole cover!

Original untouched blue dial with applied hour markers, date window at 3 o’clock, original gold baton hands with luminous and center sweep seconds hand. Dial is near mint and the hands are mint.

Removable bracelet is very unusual and rare as the vast majority of Beta 21 watches have fixed bracelets. Bracelet is massive and built with two layers of woven gold and is thick. Patek must have designed the bracelet with holes in order to reduce the weight of the watch. Bracelet is uncut and will fit up to an 8.25 inch wrist.
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