Lot 11
Patek Philippe. A fine limited-edition 18k yellow gold mechanical wristwatch Y
'Officier' Ref.3960, Movement No.768'717, Case No.2'863'629, made in 1989
Auction: Icons of Time: Patek Philippe | Lots 1- 17 | Thurs 19 November 2026 from 2pm
Description
Cal.215PS, manual winding, 18 jewel movement adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions with Gyromax balance and Geneva quality seal, white dial with black Breguet numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds, black oxidised Breguet hands, 18k yellow gold hinged case with dedicated gold cuvette, straight shoulders to screw-bars. Case, dial and movement signed. On black Patek Philippe alligator strap with correct matching 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe ‘Officier’ buckle.
Dimensions
Diameter 34mm.
Footnote
The Ref.3960 ‘Officier’ model was released as a limited edition in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary. Made in 2000 examples in yellow gold, 150 in white gold and 50 in platinum, it was, along with the anniversary ‘Jump-Hour’ model, possibly the first example of limited edition watches where demand quickly exceeded supply and led to significant premiums being paid. These examples most likely changed the pattern of modern watch manufacturing/marketing, by encouraging future limited editions to be made.
The reference 3960 was based on a 1920s so called Officer's watch that became both popular and iconic post First World War, retaining the classic white dial/Breguet hands and numerals combination with hinged case and screw-bars for attaching the strap.
