Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 3563 in white gold, diamond indices

1970 | White gold | Automatic | 35.0mm

Through the 1970s Patek Philippe pushed the Calatrava line in a more experimental direction, blurring the boundary between fine watchmaking and jewelry with cases and bracelets conceived as one continuous piece of gold. Reference 3563 belongs to this period, built around the caliber 350, an automatic movement notable for its peripheral winding system rather than a conventional central rotor, a genuinely unusual piece of engineering for its time. The watch winds from the caseback, keeping the case slim despite the automatic mechanism.

This example is cased in 18k white gold with an anthracite sunburst dial set with diamond indices, a striking and uncommon combination for this reference, most examples of which turn up with plainer metal or textured dials. The round case and integrated bracelet share the same restrained finish, letting the dial do the talking.

Condition is top throughout, and the watch retains its original buckle. A genuinely rare execution of a reference that already stands apart from the more familiar Calatravas of its era.