Stainless Steel Minute Repeater…

Here is the first look at Patek Philippe’s “unique piece” for the Only Watch 2011 charity auction in Monaco, a breathtaking stainless steel minute repeater model (Ref. 3939A).   Of note, this is the first time that Patek has produced a stainless steel minute repeater with a black enamel dial based on the emblematic Ref. 3939 model.  Previous versions of the Ref 3939 were all precious metals – platinum (Ref 3939HP), yellow gold (Ref 3939 HJ), white gold (Ref 3939 HP) and rose gold (Ref 3939 HR).  This watch lacks the “flair” that many of the other ONLY WATCH 2011 pieces offer, but of course “discretion” is the Patek way.  For many watch connoisseurs, Patek Philippe’s Ref. 3939 – with its minute repeater, tourbillon, and subsidiary seconds dial – constitutes the apex of watchmaking, the most beautiful blend of elegance and discretion, and I wholeheartedly concur – this watch is a true object of desire!  Look for this watch to bring big bucks in support of the ONLY WATCH 2011 cause.

Patek Philippe Minute Repeater Tourbillon (Ref 3939A) for ONLY WATCH 2011

33.3mm stainless steel case, black enamel dial with Breguet-style hands, seconds subdial, mechanical manual-wind movement (Caliber R TO 27 PS) (COSC) featuring minute repeater and tourbillon (two gong chimes activated by slide piece on the case), interchangeable full back/sapphire crystal case back

mechanical manual-wind movement (Caliber R TO 27 PS) (COSC) featuring minute repeater and tourbillon (two gong chimes activated by slide piece on the case)