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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch

Patek Philippe Ref. 3603 Quartz Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe Ref. 3603 is an 18K yellow gold quartz wristwatch produced in 1973 and sold on January 23, 1974. The watch features a rectangular two-body case that is finished with polished and brushed surfaces and a snap-on back. The satiné champagne dial is equipped with applied faceted yellow gold baton indexes and a date aperture located at the 6 o'clock position, complemented by yellow gold dauphine hands. The movement powering the timepiece is the CEH Beta 21 caliber, an early electronic module developed through a consortium of Swiss watchmakers, including Patek Philippe, to advance quartz timekeeping. The watch measures 33 x 37 mm with a thickness of 11 mm. Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives, the timepiece represents the early adoption of high-frequency quartz technology by the maker during the transition period of 1970s electronic watchmaking.

Front view of the Patek Philippe reference 3603 wristwatch, showing the satiné champagne dial and jump-type date window.
Front view of the Patek Philippe reference 3603 wristwatch, showing the satiné champagne dial and jump-type date window. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe & Cie
Reference
3603
Catalogue / lot identifier
181
Source-reported date
1973
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
2732398

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a rectangular, two-body yellow gold case, which displays both polished and brushed finishes. The design features a snap-on case back that seals the electronic module within. Measuring 33 mm by 37 mm with a depth of 11 mm, the case is proportioned to house the early Beta 21 quartz movement.

The dial is finished in a satiné champagne, providing a textured backdrop for the applied faceted yellow gold baton hour markers. Time is indicated by gold dauphine hands. A specific feature of this model is the jump-type date aperture located at the 6 o'clock position, which integrates into the lower portion of the dial design.

Evidence for this section
  • “rectangular, center-second, 18K yellow gold quartz wristwatch with date.”
  • “Two-body, solid, polished and brushed, snap-on case back.”
  • “Satiné champagne with applied faceted yellow gold baton indexes, aperture at 6 for the jump-type date.”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The timepiece is driven by the CEH Beta 21 caliber, an electronic movement measuring 29 x 24.3 mm. This movement was the result of a collaborative project involving twenty-one Swiss watchmaking firms, including Patek Philippe, which sought to develop a precise electronic alternative to mechanical calibers.

The movement utilizes a quartz oscillator vibrating at a frequency of 8192 Hz, which is reduced to 256 Hz through an internal frequency reducer. The construction of the Beta 21 involved a division of labor among consortium members, with the CEH managing the module design and integrated circuit, while other partners handled parts and motor components.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. CEH Beta 21, dimensions 29 x 24.3 mm; frequency of the quartz oscillator 8192 Hz, reduced to 256 Hz by the frequency reducer.”
  • “The CEH designed the module and produced the integrated circuit, Ebauches SA (now ETA)manufactured themechanical parts of the movement as well as the quartz oscillator, and Omega produced the micro-motor driving the hands.”

Signatures and Documentation

The watch is signed by Patek Philippe & Cie on the dial, movement, and case. These signatures confirm the identification of the manufacturer for each primary component. The auction description notes that the movement is numbered 8092 and the case is numbered 2732398.

To verify the authenticity and origin of the watch, it is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives provided by the manufacturer. This document confirms the dates of production and sale, establishing the timeline for the watch since its exit from the Geneva workshops in the early 1970s.

Evidence for this section
  • “Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, movement No. 8092, case No. 2732398”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific total production number for the Patek Philippe reference 3603 during its manufacturing window?
  • Are there documented variations in the dial finish for the reference 3603 beyond the champagne option?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Ref. 3603 Quartz Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MovementCEH Beta 21“M. CEH Beta 21”
Case Number2732398“case No. 2732398”
Movement Number8092“movement No. 8092”
Dimensions33 x 37 mm“Dim. 33 x 37 mm.”
Date of Manufacture1973“Made in 1973”
Date of SaleJanuary 23rd, 1974“sold on January 23rd, 1974.”
Oscillator Frequency8192 Hz“frequency of the quartz oscillator 8192 Hz”

Visible details

  • Satiné champagne dial with vertical brushing texture
  • Jump-type date display at the 6 o'clock position
  • Rectangular yellow gold case with integrated lugs
  • Dark textured leather strap with matching yellow gold tone buckle

Research qualifications

  • Movement condition is reported as good with an overhaul recommended
  • The case and dial condition are assigned a grade of 3, indicating signs of wear

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, movement No. 8092, case No. 2732398, Ref. 3603. Made in 1973, sold on January 23rd, 1974. Fine and rare, rectangular, center-second, 18K yellow gold quartz wristwatch with date. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 219d05d1f3

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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