Patek Philippe, Calatrava, "Back Wind”, ca 1972.

To become one of the world's most respected watchmakers, innovation is key. Patek Philippe understands this better than most, consistently pursuing research and development throughout their storied history. The Patek Philippe ref. 3569 is a prime example of the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.

The development of the self-winding, peripheral-winding movement that powers the ref. 3569 was a decade-long project that culminated in Patek Philippe filing a patent in 1965. This innovation was eventually brought to market in 1969 with the release of the caliber 350 and the ref. 3569, among other models. Unlike traditional self-winding movements with central rotors, the peripheral-winding caliber 350 works from the outside in. This design offers a range of benefits, including a slimmer movement.

The ref. 3569, which was in production from 1969 to 1986, features the largest case diameter execution of the caliber 350. The idea of a backwind watch was ingenious, making it easy to wear for both right and left-handed individuals. With the ref. 3569, Patek Philippe once again demonstrated their commitment to innovation and dedication to producing exceptional timepieces.