Patek Philippe Beta 21

The 1969 introduction of the Seiko Astron, the world’s first commercially available quartz wristwatch, sent tremors throughout the industry. 

In a struggle to keep pace with the new technology, the big Swiss watch manufacturers banded together to develop their own quartz movement, which could be used by watches from the different brands. The resulting production movement, the Beta 21, was an electronic caliber featuring a quartz crystal beating at 8.192 Hz. Reduced to 256 Hz to drive a vibration motor, the movement featured a sweep seconds hand, rather than the more well known “ticking” seconds of conventional quartz calibers.  

Despite the massive R&D budgets of the Swiss conglomerate that developed the Beta 21, just 6,000 movements were produced before the project was scrapped. Certain watchmakers, however, produced their own versions of the Beta 21 and continued production for some time.

Some of the more significant Beta 21-based models were those produced by none other than Patek Philippe, a manufacturer well known for its mechanical calibers.

The example that we have here, a Reference 3597, dates to circa 1972 and features a 43mm 18K white gold case with a signed crown, a sunburst blue 'sigma' dial with applied white gold indices, a matching handset, and a framed date window at 3:00. Powered by the Beta 21 electronic quartz movement, it comes paired to a signed nave blue alligator leather strap with a signed white gold pin bukle.

Whether you’re a dedicated Patek collector or a scholar of horological history — or both! — this unabashedly '70s piece packs a huge punch.

Patek Philippe.

Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world with an uninterrupted watchmaking history. Few luxury brands in the world carry the gravitas of their name, and for good reason. The firm's commitment to excellence in horological manufacture is unflinching, and their track record of innovation in design without peer.  They continue to lead the industry, and even their fiercest competitors have nothing but the utmost respect for the company.

Owning a Patek Philippe is for many the ultimate goal of timepiece collecting, and for a certain type, the only timepieces they collect. Whichever way you look at it, there is no questioning the elegance of design, superlative manufacture of their cases and movements, or the sheer elegance and emotion that comes from owning one.

Of course for a brand that is steeped in heritage, we are told ‘You never actually own a Patek Philippe…”

Well, you know the rest.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.