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Lot Essay
In 1989, when the reference 3974 was launched, it was the world’s most complicated wristwatch. With only around 160 examples ever made in total, it is not only one of the rarest, but one of the most technically sophisticated Patek Grande Complications of the period.
The present 3974J is preserved in very good overall condition. The impressive case of highest quality supplied by the famous casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann of Geneva, his hallmark JPH stamped underneath the lower left lug.
Originally trained as a jeweller, Jean-Pierre Hagmann set up his own company in 1984, specializing in the manufacture of custom-made high quality watch cases. He worked for several of the world's most famous watch manufactures, notably Patek Philippe, to whom he supplied amongst others, cases for references 3974, 3979, 5016 and 5029, all models of the firm's "Grand Complication" series.
Reference 3974
One of the most important watches ever made in series by Patek Philippe, reference 3974 was launched in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary, at the time not only the firm's but also the world's most complicated wristwatch. The very first movement was numbered 1'906'000.
Research has revealed that only around 160 examples of ref. 3974 were ever made, the majority in yellow gold. The cases of the early examples including the present watch were made by Jean-Pierre Hagmann and bear his hallmark. Later series were fitted with Atéliers Réunis cases.
This highly sought-after reference ceased production in 2000 and is regarded as one of the most desirable minute repeating wristwatches of the last 30 years
The present 3974J is preserved in very good overall condition. The impressive case of highest quality supplied by the famous casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann of Geneva, his hallmark JPH stamped underneath the lower left lug.
Originally trained as a jeweller, Jean-Pierre Hagmann set up his own company in 1984, specializing in the manufacture of custom-made high quality watch cases. He worked for several of the world's most famous watch manufactures, notably Patek Philippe, to whom he supplied amongst others, cases for references 3974, 3979, 5016 and 5029, all models of the firm's "Grand Complication" series.
Reference 3974
One of the most important watches ever made in series by Patek Philippe, reference 3974 was launched in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary, at the time not only the firm's but also the world's most complicated wristwatch. The very first movement was numbered 1'906'000.
Research has revealed that only around 160 examples of ref. 3974 were ever made, the majority in yellow gold. The cases of the early examples including the present watch were made by Jean-Pierre Hagmann and bear his hallmark. Later series were fitted with Atéliers Réunis cases.
This highly sought-after reference ceased production in 2000 and is regarded as one of the most desirable minute repeating wristwatches of the last 30 years