Stainless steel Patek Philippe ref. 3579/1 'Tonneau' cased wristwatch.

Information

• Brand: Patek Philippe
• Made: 1974
• Model: Tonneau
• Reference: 3579/1
• Calibre: 23-300
• Movement: Manual
• Material: Stainless steel
• Features/complications: Tonneau case
• Dial: Silvered dial featuring applied mirror polished baton shaped hour markers with two-tone onyx/steel baton hour and minute hands
• Case Dimensions: 32 x 37mm
• Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap
• Accessories: Extract from the Archives
• SKU: 3238

Essay

The establishment of Patek Philippe in 1839 can be linked to the Polish insurrection of 1830. Amidst the revolt against Russian rule, Antoine Norbert de Patek, a young cavalry officer, participated and, like many compatriots, was compelled to escape Poland, eventually finding refuge in Geneva.

Swiftly immersing himself in the city's watchmaking industry, Patek, along with fellow Pole François Czapek, founded Patek Czapek & Co in 1839. In 1844, during a visit to Paris, Patek encountered the pioneering French watchmaker Adrien Philippe, who presented his innovative keyless winding and setting mechanism. Czapek opted to depart from the company in 1845, and Adrien Philippe stepped in as Patek's new partner. The company then underwent a name change to Patek & Cie before further evolving in 1851 to Patek Philippe & Cie.

In 1932, the Stern brothers, Charles and Jean, acquired the company. Since that time, Patek Philippe S.A. has remained a family-owned enterprise, with the fourth generation currently guiding its path.