Not every timepiece from the world’s greatest watchmaker fits neatly into the mold of an overarching theme or collection. 

While we love a simple Calatrava, an avant garde Gondolo, or a complicated perpetual calendar as much as the next guy, the oddball, limited-production, shaped watches made by the maison in the mid-20th century are often some of the most innovative and charming in the brand’s oeuvre. Take this Reference 3523/1, for example:

Dating to circa the late 1960s, this particular piece features a square 28mm 18k yellow gold case with an excellent integrated yellow gold mesh bracelet, a signed crown, and a brushed champagne dial with printed quadrant indices and a matching black pencil handset. Powered by the manually wound Patek Philippe Calibre 125 movement, it’s quite simply a piece of horological art.

There’s nothing wrong with a classic Calatrava if what you’re after is a handsome, reliable dress watch. But for those in search of something a bit…more, this piece is the one to own.

Check it out today!