4572aRS

PATEK PHILIPPE SELF-WINDING SKELETON WRISTWATCH REF. 3878J

Patek Philippe ref. 3878J, made in 1998

Specifications Story behind the watch
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Watch Specification

Reference Number
3878J
Production Year
1998
Original Date of Sale
December 9, 1999
Size
31 mm
Material
18K yellow gold
Dial Color
Skeletonized
Watch Movement
Cal. 240 SQUELETTE
Accompanied By
Extract from the Archives
CSKU
4768

Story behind the watch

In 1981, the self-winding version of the famous ref. 3878 was introduced at Basel. Made with a skeletonized automatic caliber 240, every part of the movement that can be decorated by hand is engraved including the rotor, making for an attractive kinetic sculpture of Swiss craftsmanship. Each example of this reference is individually different and showcases the art of engraving in its fullest glory. Representing exceptional value, this reference belongs in your Patek Philippe collection as a superlative example of the art of skeletonization.

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Our team of watch experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible service buying your luxury timepiece.

1

Find a Patek Philippe you like

Explore the available Patek Philippe watches on the website.

2

Know the watch

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3

Make the purchase

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4

Receive the watch

You will receive your watch securely packaged in our box, complete with its accompaniments.

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Buy a watch

Every timepiece is personally inspected and authenticated by our founder, John Reardon, one of the world’s leading experts on Patek Philippe. The case, dial, movement, and, when applicable, the buckle and bracelet are examined before a watch is offered for sale. Whenever possible, we include the original Certificate of Origin or an Extract from the Archives. If a watch is offered without one, we will always explain why - for example, if Patek Philippe declined to issue an Extract from the Archives because a dial was changed at some point in the watch's history.

We take pride in offering watches in the condition in which we acquired them. We avoid unnecessary interventions such as polishing or dial refinishing. If a movement requires repair, it is serviced by our select group of trusted specialists, including Patek Philippe-trained watchmakers.

Yes. We guarantee the authenticity of every Patek Philippe timepiece we sell. If a watch purchased from us is ever determined to have a previously unknown issue, we will cancel the sale and refund the full purchase price. This authenticity guarantee lasts three years from the date of sale and applies only to the original purchaser. It covers the watch as a whole, not individual components. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Collectability is an independent business and is not an authorized Patek Philippe dealer nor affiliated with Patek Philippe SA.

Every watch purchased from Collectability is guaranteed to be in working order for one year from the date of sale. If it stops functioning properly during that period (and hasn’t been damaged or mishandled), we’ll repair or adjust it free of charge.

Vintage and pre-owned watches should never be considered water resistant, even if they were originally designed as such. We recommend avoiding exposure to water, shocks, or magnetic fields.

For most timepieces, with the exception of consigned pieces, if you decide your timepiece is not right for you, you can return it within three business days for a full refund. We’ll provide a return shipping label and issue your refund upon safe receipt of the watch.

We accept secure payments via bank transfer only.

Yes. All shipments are insured until they reach you via a trusted courier.

Returns are accepted within three business days of delivery for a full refund. We’ll provide a prepaid label and issue the refund upon safe receipt of the watch.

We’ll arrange immediate repair or adjustment under the terms of our one-year working guarantee.

Within the first year, repairs within reason are covered. After this period, we can coordinate servicing with our watchmaking partners at your expense, with an estimate provided before any work begins.

Yes. Many clients choose to have us coordinate ongoing maintenance or service.

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