

The watch is particularly understated, an attribute that if anything, heightens the elegance of the piece. With its three apertures displaying the day, month, phases of the moon, and a subsidiary dial for the date one could be excused for thinking, at a glance, that it was simply a triple calendar. Of course, in actuality, and to the joy of those who know, the watch houses a very complex feature, the perpetual calendar. In essence the calendar is completely self-adjusting, knowing the number of days in each month and even compensating for the leap year. No surprise then that Patek themselves described the 3448 as ‘the watch that thinks’.
The case design, in comparison to the models it succeeded, shows a clear departure from the usual Patek aesthetic, especially when compared to the other perpetual calendar models. The case is somewhat brutalist in appearance, utilising sharper lines and angles to the lugs and bezel, the bezel itself is flat and wider than other references which tended to be softer and more rounded. The combination of these characteristics give the 3448 a very contemporary feel even today, it is therefore to be expected that the watch remains a hugely desirable model.
The present lot is in fantastic, original, condition and appears at auction fresh to the market. The lugs and bezel are razor sharp and the case retains all of the features that make this such an iconic watch. What's more, of the 586 pieces produced, it is estimated only 130 were made in white gold, from which, around 53 have come back to the market.