Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460 automatic lever movement, 37 jewels • silvered dial, applied gold baton indexes, outer pearled minute indexes, gold dauphine hands, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dial for date combined with fan-form aperture for moon phases • 18k yellow gold case, stepped sloped bezel, angular lugs, solid snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed 

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing. The dial is in good condition with slight signs of aging. The case has scratches and scuffs throughout which is consistent with use and the age of the watch. Overall the watch is in good condition. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to shipping.***
"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."

Reference 3448 was first released in 1962 with production continuing for approximately 20 years. As the successor to the 2497 and 2438-1, the 3448, with its more angular design, represented a departure from the classic rounded cases and lugs of previous complication references. This was a reflection of the change in wristwatch design more generally, which was evolving during the 1960s and 1970s. The 3448 was not only the first automatic perpetual calendar made in series by Patek Philippe, but the first by any company. An iconic model, the 3448 is one of the most distinctive of all Patek Philippe’s perpetual calendar models and can be seen as a bridge between the watchmaker’s early series produced perpetual calendar wristwatches and the more modern examples that followed it.