C.1971 Very Rare vintage Patek Philippe 35mm Ref.3580 “UFO” Oval Ultra-slim automatic in Steel with bracelet and archive cert

Description

Vintage. No box or paper but a Passions box will be given and archive of certificate by the factory.

There is very little literature on this model. In fact, we didn’t even know of it’s existence until it was offered to us recently. This model precedes the famous Nautilus as it was introduced in 1972 as one of the most popular vintage models by Patek Philippe. We have sold some back-winder automatic models in gold with this movement but this is the first time that we come across this in steel.

Presenting you the Ref.3580A/1 in steel with original bracelet and fitted with a peripheral automatic winding movement with back set crown. This movement measures a mere 3.5mm thin for an automatic.

References 3585, 3586 & 3573 were featured on pg223 of the book Patek Philippe Geneve by Huber & Banberry and nothing on this Ref.3580 but they used the same Cal.350 and all four references including this 3580 were not listed in the glossary section which shows how rare or simply forgotten they are even by the authority on the brand. The production numbers of these references must be very small which adds to the desirability.

This model is not exactly attractive but the oval shape is timeless with a hint of Ellipse but the use of stainless steel case and bracelet certainly adds to the collectability value.

This is a good article on the movement and the Ref.3580 with blue dial is featured.

According to the factory archive, this watch was manufactured in 1971 with the subsequent sale on 13 September 1971.