Lot 224
  • 224

PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 3448WHITE GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASESMADE IN 1977

Estimate
200,000 - 300,000 CHF
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Description

  • Patek Philippe
  • REF 3448WHITE GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASESMADE IN 1977
Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 27-460 Q automatic, 37 jewelsMovement number: 1'119'492Case: 18k white gold, snap-on backCase number: 332'610Closure: 18k white gold Patek Philippe buckleDimensions: 37.5mm Signed: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on October 15th, 1979

Condition

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. Calendar and moon phases advancing. CASE: in excellent condition. Angles and edges sharp to the touch and crisp. With light surface wear only which is consistent with age. Hallmark to the case back still crisp and well defined. DIAL: with a mark above 12 some wear hidden by the bezel. Otherwise in excellent and well preserved 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.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The Patek Philippe reference 3448 represents a milestone in horology being the first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch serially produced by any manufacture. It also is important due to the design and aesthetic having been dubbed the ‘Disco Volante’ by collectors. First produced in 1962 the reference enjoyed nearly 20 years of manufacture before being discontinued in 1980.  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.