Patek Philippe Dress Watch

Though the famous Calatrava is — for good reason — perhaps the best known of Patek Philippe’s incredible dress watches, there are myriad others that deserve recognition. From the rectangular Gondolo to the curvaceous Golden Ellipse, these timepieces, though simple in design, beg a closer look for their classic proportions and strict attention to detail. Patek has been producing such wristwatches for roughly a century, and shows no signs of slowing down. A Reference 3729J, this curious late 1970s/early 1980s dress watch is a prime example of the maison's adventurous spirit. Measuring 28mm x 34mm, it consists of an elongated, octagonal yellow gold case with a stepped bezel, a small winding crown with an onyx cabochon, and an acrylic crystal. The dial is subtle but striking: Rather than lacquer, it's actually a thin slice of onyx overlaid with...well, nothing! Only the Patek Philippe signature and a set of yellow gold 'dauphine' hands disturb its quiet elegance. Powered by the hand-wound Calibre 215 and paired to a black alligator leather strap with a yellow gold-tone pin buckle, this incredible dress watch is an understated reminder of the sheer breadth of the Patek Philippe catalogue. Who wouldn't want to proudly wear such a creative piece of haute horlogerie?