{"product_id":"patek-philippe-18k-yellow-gold-lapis-lazuli-watch-reference-3578-1","title":"Patek Philippe 18K Yellow Gold \u0026 Lapis Lazuli Watch Reference 3578\/1","description":"\u003cp\u003eWHERE WATCHMAKING MEETS THE LAPIDARY ARTS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduced in 1969, Patek Philippe reference 3578\/1 emerged during a remarkable period of artistic experimentation at the Geneva manufacture. Throughout the 1970s, Patek Philippe explored the relationship between traditional watchmaking, fine jewelry, and ornamental stone, creating distinctive timepieces that challenged conventional notions of wristwatch design. Lapis lazuli, prized since antiquity for its intense blue color and occasional golden pyrite inclusions, became one of the era's most evocative decorative materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDating to 1976, this exceptional example combines an 18-karat yellow gold rectangular case with natural lapis lazuli inlays. The contrast between the warmth of polished gold and the deep, mineral blue of the stone creates a striking architectural composition. Its restrained proportions and manually wound movement preserve the elegance of traditional Geneva watchmaking, while the incorporation of natural stone reflects Patek Philippe's adventurous design philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHISTORICAL \u0026amp; COLLECTIBLE SIGNIFICANCE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReference 3578\/1 occupies a distinctive position within Patek Philippe's vintage portfolio, representing the manufacture's exploration of hardstone decoration during the late twentieth century. Unlike conventional metal dials and cases, natural lapis lazuli introduces variations in color, veining, and mineral inclusions, giving each stone-decorated watch its own visual character. Documented examples have appeared at international auction houses, including Christie's, establishing the reference's presence in the vintage collecting market. This 1976 example, accompanied by papers, offers a compelling connection to one of Patek Philippe's most imaginative design periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWATCH DETAILS\u003cbr\u003eBrand: Patek Philippe\u003cbr\u003eReference: 3578\/1\u003cbr\u003eYear: 1976\u003cbr\u003eCase Material: 18K Yellow Gold\u003cbr\u003eCase Decoration: Natural Lapis Lazuli Inlays\u003cbr\u003eCase Shape: Rectangular\u003cbr\u003eCase Dimensions: 30 × 26 mm\u003cbr\u003eMovement: Mechanical, Manual Winding\u003cbr\u003ePapers: Included\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Patek Philippe Pre-Owned","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48453428805838,"sku":"591-3002126","price":29995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0585\/2721\/9918\/files\/StudioSession-8625-2Final_a423efc7-9721-428c-ac3f-886dc013c076.jpg?v=1792172717","url":"https:\/\/cdpeacock.com\/products\/patek-philippe-18k-yellow-gold-lapis-lazuli-watch-reference-3578-1","provider":"CD Peacock","version":"1.0","type":"link"}