This article was first featured on watch blog The Hairspring by Erik Gustafson.
1970s Patek was a slightly more uncertain brand than they are today. With quartz looking like King Kong about to crush the Swiss giants, some shifts occurred. Conservative houses throughout all of Europe branched to some new directions in an attempt to find their own niches. Not even the almighty Patek could maintain total composure. One of pieces that came out of this period was the 1978 3604.
This ultra-thin mechanical dress piece is one of their more elegant 70s offerings. The sunken crown, slightly-sunbursted brown dial, and 'woven' yellow gold bracelet total to an aesthetic that is uniquely beautiful in its own way. Just as an aside, this bracelet is one of my favorite of all time. This piece from The Keystone also includes gorgeous matched Patek cufflinks. Quite rare to find a 3604 in this condition alone. Matched links really make this rarity a desirable package. Find it here for 19500 USD.
