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The Patek Philippe Calatrava stands as the purest expression of the Geneva manufacture’s philosophy: elegance through simplicity. This Ref. 3558, produced in 1968, is already a sought-after model thanks to its refined 34mm 18K yellow gold case and perfectly proportioned design. What makes this example truly exceptional, however, is its double-signed dial — marked both by Patek Philippe and the prestigious Zurich retailer Beyer, one of the world’s oldest authorised Patek Philippe agents.
The dial itself is a masterpiece of understated design, with a warm champagne tone, crisp black-applied indices, and a neatly framed date window at 3 o’clock. Inside beats the renowned Calibre 27-460M, a beautifully finished automatic movement with a gold rotor, regarded as one of Patek Philippe’s finest mid-century self-winding calibres.
Accompanied by an extract from the Patek Philippe archives confirming its sale in 1969, this watch also retains its solid 18K gold Patek Philippe buckle, completing an already compelling package for serious collectors.
Key Features
Reference: 3558
Year: 1968 (sold in 1969, per extract)
Movement: Automatic Patek Philippe Calibre 27-460M with date
Case Size: 34mm, 18K yellow gold
Dial: Champagne dial, double signed by Beyer and Patek Philippe, applied black markers, date at 3
Crystal: Acrylic crystal
Strap: Brown leather strap with solid 18K gold Patek Philippe signed buckle
Provenance: Extract from the Archives confirming production and sale
The Importance of Double-Signed Dials
While most Patek Philippe watches bear only the manufacture’s name, a select few were co-signed by the retailers who originally sold them. These double-signed dials are particularly rare, as they required a strong partnership between Patek and the retailer. Among the most respected is Beyer Chronometrie of Zurich, one of Patek’s longest-standing authorised dealers and a name synonymous with quality and trust.
A double signature elevates a watch far beyond its standard reference, offering an additional layer of provenance, exclusivity, and historical importance. For collectors, a Beyer-signed Calatrava represents the pinnacle of desirability, combining the timeless elegance of Patek with the prestige of a world-class retailer.
Auction Performance of Beyer-Signed Watches
In recent years, Beyer-signed Patek Philippe watches have achieved notable premiums at auction, often commanding significantly higher prices than their single-signed counterparts. Collectors value the combination of rarity, provenance, and retailer prestige, with many examples exceeding estimates. This consistent auction performance underscores the long-term desirability of double-signed dials and reinforces their importance in any serious vintage Patek collection.
A Word on Condition
This watch presents in superb condition for its age. The champagne dial is beautifully preserved, with strong signature prints from both Patek Philippe and Beyer. The case retains excellent definition, showing careful wear over the decades. The automatic Calibre 27-460M has been fully inspected and serviced to our standards, ensuring it is running beautifully.
Why Buy This Watch
Double Signed Rarity: Very few Calatravas feature retailer signatures, and Beyer-signed dials are among the most prestigious and collectible.
Historic Provenance: Complete with an extract from the archives confirming its production in 1968 and sale in 1969.
Exceptional Movement: Houses the legendary Patek Calibre 27-460M, one of the manufacture’s finest automatic calibres.
Original Gold Buckle: Retains its period-correct solid gold Patek Philippe buckle, adding further value.
Auction-Proven Appeal: Beyer-signed watches consistently outperform at auction, highlighting long-term demand.
Watts On Watches Guarantee: Fully serviced, inspected, and covered by our 12-month warranty.