Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460 automatic nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 27 jewels, Gyromax balance, 18k yellow gold rotor • silvered dial, round and baguette diamond indexes, aperture for the date, subsidiary seconds • round platinum case, beveled lugs, screw down case back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe buckle

Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Case, dial, and movement in fantastic condition. Edges of the lugs are very crisp. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

With an Extract from the Archives confirming sale with diamond hour markers on 16 October 1964,  original tie tag listing the original retail price of $2175.00, and original Patek Philippe fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

The present lot is an extremely rare platinum example of a reference 3445 with a diamond dial, and is being offered in exceptional condition. According to our research, fewer than 10 examples of Ref. 3445 in platinum are known to the market.  

The watch is being offered in essentially new-old-stock condition. It retains a crisp, flat bezel with non-polished edges. The watch is further accentuated by the well defined faceted lugs that are a key characteristic of the 3445. These lugs still retain elements of the plastic that originally wrapped the watch upon delivery in 1964.

The present lot has been in the possession of the original owner since its purchase from Patek Philippe in 1964, and this is the first time it has been offered at auction.

Ref. 3445, frequently referred to as the 'Monodate', was the first calendar wristwatch produced by the company in series. It was manufactured from 1961 until 1981.

Cal. 27-460M and Ref. 3445 are illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. II, Second Edition, pp. 220-221.