In the year 2006, auctioneers Bonham and Butterfield’s sold a Patek Philippe that looked relatively plain when compared to some of their “royal” watches. But this No. 3266 had some very special differences between the rest of the pack. This watch had been adjusted against temperature extremes and had an isochronous movement as well. The last part refers to the fact that there is little to no variation in the watch’s movements – every movement is equal to the last. This special property was achieved by using PP’s special patented Gyromax balance wheel – so amazing and unique is this balance that one can find it listed in the Wikipedia. You may not find a Patek Philippe reproduction horologes listed there, but your dealer should be able to find a great one for you.

It is not known if you can obtain a copy of the 3266 (though it only sold for about $1100); you might do just as well to start with the DW “Petek Philippe Geneve Automatic with Yellow Dial & White Bezel”. Fortunately or unfortunately, the maker/seller has chosen to spell the front name with two “es”. This is a smashing looking watch with the corn yellow dial and two offset sub-dials. What possessed them to go with an almost bucolic looking corn yellow is unknown, but it is a very unusual color for a watch dial and appears to work very well.

The words “Patek Philippe” and “Geneve” are offset to the upper right side of the dial. Almost directly opposite, is a solid black moonphase indicator. The moon face is in yellow gold as is apparently the half-arc yellow date calendar underneath it. The zodiacal rim marker just under the bezel is very unique and unusual and desirable to the antique astronomer. The whole package makes this a very desirable Sky Moon reproduction watch.