Patek Philippe
Production of reference 3418 started in 1958, the exact same year as the
launch of the anti-magnetic caliber 12-400. The need for anti-magnetic
wristwatches really started in the mid-1950s, with brands such as Rolex
being commissioned by the CERN to produce a watch for their scientists.
The trend was soon followed by other renowned Swiss brands such as Patek
Philippe wishing to offer their clients an accurate timepiece that
would resist strong magnetic fields.
The present example is
distinguished by the attractive Milanese bracelet and by the rare navy
blue dial. Most intriguingly, the hour markers are neither applied nor
printed on the dial. Rather, they are carved into it - a detail
confirmed by the extract. Such a dial construction adds intellectual
interest and aesthetic flair to the piece. While the majority of the
reference was fitted with a silvered dial, in very rare instances black
dials were known to have been realized. It is however the first time
that this watch - which can thus be currently classified as unique - is
the first and only example with blue dial and carved indexes to appear
on the market so far.