Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460Q automatic nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 37 jewels, Gyromax balance, yellow gold rotor • silvered matte dial, applied gold baton indexes, sword hands, day and month apertures, subsidiary dial for date combined with moon-phases, outer minute divisions • 18k white gold brushed and polished case, engraved snap-on case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with the original 18k white gold Patek Philippe laminated mesh bracelet and an 18k white gold Patek Philippe buckle

This exceptional reference 3448 is the only publicly known example of the model to have a case back engraved with the emblem of the Sultanate Of Oman and, indeed, may be unique. The  accompanying Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives confirms that the engraving was executed in Patek’s workshops. The watch is also accompanied by its original “sur-mesure” white gold bracelet. The bracelet, which is seldom seen on the Ref.3448, is detachable and features specially designed ‘niches’for the calendar adjuster pushers, thereby allowing easy adjustment without the need to detach the bracelet. The Extract from the Archives confirms that this wristwatch was supplied with the white gold bracelet. It is the first time that this prestigious wristwatch has been offered for sale at auction and offers a rare opportunity to acquire a rare and exceptional example of this iconic model.

The reference 3448 was launched in 1962. At that time, it was the only automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch available on the market. It bears the distinction of a singular case design which is substantial in size and strikingly angular in shape. Over decades of wear and use, many of the cases are polished, causing the sharp edges of the bezel to wear down and the lugs to become rounded and even to shorten from their original length. The present lot has escaped that unfortunate fate and presents itself in all its angular, sharp-lined glory. The model was ultimately succeeded by Ref. 3450, produced from 1981 to 1985, which included the leap year indication and some further, subtle differences.

It is interesting to note that very few were made in white gold of this reference; only 130 pieces were made in total over the 20 year production period, meaning roughly 5 examples were made each year. As such, Patek Philippe's technicians were able to pay the utmost attention to each piece. 

One mark of the artistry that went into Ref. 3448 is the moon phase sector. Each plate is made in solid gold, hand-enamelled in translucent blue, fired at high temperatures, and polished so that the gold stars and moon shine. As a result, each plate bears slight variations from the next in the placement of the stars and tones of blue, and is one of the most strikingly attractive features of this exceptional and rare model.

For a discussion of Ref. 3448 and other examples, see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. 2, pp. 288-289.  

National emblem of Oman

The Sultanate of Oman emblem is made of a two crossed "khanjars" knifes, a traditional dagger of Oman. Between the daggers is placed the "gourith", a small traditional axe whose head is 10 cm long. 

According to our research, this is the first 3448 with Oman crest on the back identified from the market.