Standing as a testament to the Patek Philippe’s unyielding commitment to innovation and excellence in watchmaking, the Calatrava ref. 3569 features what was a groundbreaking back-wind movement at the time. Introduced in 1969, the automatic cal. 350 diverged from the traditional central rotor movement design so that it boasts a peripheral rotor, thus allowing its winding crown to be placed on the caseback. As a result, this allowed Patek to give the ref. 3569, and other watches that featured the same movement, a symmetrical case design that broke from the traditional asymmetrical designs that arise from having a winding crown at 3 o’clock. Produced from 1969 to 1986, the ref. 3569 boasts the largest case diameter among its cal. 350 counterparts, ensuring a striking presence on the wrist, even for a vintage offering. Weighing in at 35.5mm in diameter and made of 18kt yellow gold with a screw-down caseback, the ref. 3569 is perfectly suited to a modern collector who wants something special. Adding a touch of luxury, this particular 18k yellow gold model features a distinctive Beyer signature at six o'clock, underscoring the historic partnership between the renowned Swiss jeweler and Patek Philippe since around 1842.

Watch is in exellent overall condition. Case is sharp with nicely defined edges and a mild oxidation along the surface. Minor scratches and marks visible on the case. Gold hallmark on back of lug crisp and clean. Dial shows some signs of aging, with some light hazing visible creeping inward from the edge of the dial. The "SWISS" at 6 o'clock appears blurry and slightly faded. Watch comes with its original 18k buckle made by Wenger and stamped PPCo.

An icon in Patek's historical catalog, the ref. 3569 has become synonymous with Patek's efforts to offer new watches that break from their convention over the years. Made of 18kt yellow gold and double-signed, this example ahs everything a collector could want from a Patek of this era.