As a matter of fact, the only reference to the anniversary is found on the case back of the Ref 3718, which is embossed with a golden medallion that reads “Patek Philippe 1839-1989″ and features the “Calatrava” cross. Nevertheless, this classic little beauty was never destined for Western consumers, but rather was made specifically for the Japanese market to celebrate Patek’s 150th birthday.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Ref 3718 is that it is rather small, 33mm small as a matter of fact,, which even for 1989 will be considered undersized, at least in the Western world.
What I really like though is that there is no obvious indication that is a limited edition, commemorative Replica Patek Philippe Watches. Therefore it seemed only logical then that when it came time to mark the occasion of the brand’s 150th birthday, Japan should figure in some way in the celebrations. Although it’s difficult to see in the photos the dial is actually an off-white enamel with applied white gold “baton” markers and white gold “baton” hands. Totally 500 pieces of the Ref 3718 were made in steel, each powered by the manually-wound, Geneva Seal hallmarked calibre 215. As you may see the design is very simple and elegant. The two-body case has been polished and brushed and features a stepped bezel with a domed sapphire crystal. Completing the look is a subsidiary second dial at 6 o’clock. Some watches tend to stand out through brand name, others through durability and others through an out of this world design.
At that time Japan was one of the most powerful economies in the world, creating huge amounts of wealth for its citizens. Not surprisingly the country was a very important market for Patek Philippe Replica Watches, much as China has become for many other brands in the present day.
Although it has only been two month away, as for the Swiss watch industry, 2015 is shaping up to be annus horribilis. Furthermore, in the age of this uncertain economic time, the whole industry might look up to the top firms to see on earth which road they will take. The shortest telling of this story is that Replica Patek Philippe are choosing the low road, to lower pricing.
On 15th of January 2015, merely few days before the opening of the important SIHH the Swiss replica watch industry was dealt a very nasty blow. All out of a sudden that the Swiss National Bank claimed that it was abandoning its long-standing currency cap against the Euro. The instant consequence was that the Swiss Franc had an unexpected 30% increase overnight.
This is the largest single currency market movement in 24 hours, ever. For more on the effect of this we recommend reading some specialist financial (completely distinct from watch specialist) analysis.
Except from generalized chaos on the Swiss stock markets this move has big implications on the export heavy Swiss watch industry. Share price tags for dominant players Richemont and the Swatch Group suffered, and Nick Hayek, CEO of the Swatch group portrayed it as a tsunami for the nation’s economy.
Several brands are choosing to increase prices to keep profit margins, which just made your dream watch about 10-15% less affordable.
In the wake of this trembling we’re starting to see how the distinct brands are dealing with the ramifications of this new financial order.
Or did it?
Patek Philippe replica watches have bucked this trend, plummeting the prices across most of their range, except for the ultra-high end collections, by 7% in the US and Hong Kong, 5% in Switzerland and 3% in the Asia Pacific (Australia is included). If you are a loyal fan of Patek Philippe (and you’re not reading this in mainland Europe or Tokyo- where price tag have augmented), you are very lucky.
As a matter of fact, the only reference to the anniversary is found on the case back of the Ref 3718, which is embossed with a golden medallion that reads “Patek Philippe 1839-1989″ and features the “Calatrava” cross. Nevertheless, this classic little beauty was never destined for Western consumers, but rather was made specifically for the Japanese market to celebrate Patek’s 150th birthday.