Patek Philippe’s exquisite reference 3878 was manufactured from 1981 until 2007. Made exclusively in 18K yellow gold, the model perfectly embodied the essence of the brand, and the aesthetic they seek to achieve. The highly chased and engraved movement became a work of art, with each bridge and plate exhibiting the brand’s exacting attention to detail and hand craftsmanship. The art of engraving has long been an important asset in the world of horology and Patek Philippe can be regarded as masters of the craft. Requiring extreme precision and skills, more than two hundred engravers were working in Geneva in the late eighteenth century, but their craft almost went extinct between 1970 and 1980. Fortunately, Patek Philippe, which had given work to these artisans from the outset, continued to do so when decorated watches were no longer in fashion, keeping this precious knowledge alive. This was Patek Philippe first self-winding skeletonized watch, and research indicates only approximately 500 examples were produced. In 2008, the model was replaced by the reference 5180/1 “Squelette” with a larger 39mm diameter case and white gold bracelet.

Ref Variations: 3878J,3878-19,3878J-001,3878J-010,