Description:
Reference 3417 is one of the very few Patek Philippe references of the 20th century produced exclusively in stainless steel. Introduced in 1958 alongside its sister reference 3418, it was originally fitted with the antimagnetic caliber 12-400, which was later modified and evolved into the caliber 27AM-400 in the early 1960s. Conceived as a true tool watch, the model was designed to meet the needs of professionals working in environments exposed to strong magnetic fields.
The demand for antimagnetic timepieces emerged during the 1950s, notably driven by institutions such as CERN, whose scientists required watches capable of resisting magnetic interference. In response, several manufacturers, including Rolex, began producing such watches, and Patek Philippe soon followed—distinguishing itself by combining technical functionality with refined design. The ref. 3417 was engineered for robustness, featuring a solid stainless-steel case with screw-down caseback, while the movement is protected by a soft-iron inner shield designed to withstand magnetic fields of up to 450 oersteds.
Despite its utilitarian purpose, the reference stands out for its remarkable elegance. The clean, balanced case proportions and restrained aesthetic are complemented by a minimalist dial fitted with applied white-gold baton indexes and the distinctive Bauhaus-style “12”.
During its production, the reference was manufactured with several dial configurations. The present example belongs to one of the later dial series produced for the model and is distinguished by the characteristic “pearl” minute division. Furthermore, the dial does not feature the “Amagnetic” signature, resulting in an even cleaner and more understated aesthetic.
Preserved in excellent overall condition, the watch is accompanied by its original Patek Philippe presentation box, Extract from the Archives confirming both its production and sale in 1970, as well as its original Japanese guarantee booklet, period service documentation, and various historical receipts preserved throughout its lifetime.