PATEK PHILIPPE | RETAILED BY ASPREY: REF 3448YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASESMADE IN 1976

Dial: silvered Calibre: cal. 27-460 Q automatic, 37 jewels Movement number: 1'119'457 Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on back Case number: 332'573 Closure: Patek Philippe crocodile strap and 18k yellow gold buckle Dimensions: 37.5 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe certificate of origin, presentation case and Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on May 25th, 1977 

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing, the calendar advancing as is the moon phase wheel. CASE: in excellent overall condition, some light surface scratches visible under magnification. Sings of light polishing. The lugs and band still retaining brushed finishes and edges sharp. The marks to the case back crisp and well defined. DIAL: in excellent condition. Small mark beneath the index at 9, slight loss of lettering to the E of ASPREY. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

The Patek Philippe reference 3448 represents a milestone in horology being the first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch produced in a series by any manufacture. First produced in 1962, the reference enjoyed nearly 20 years of manufacture before being discontinued in 1980.  This particularly example has a very special feature, one that always serves to captivate collectors; a double signed dial. This 3448, signed ‘Asprey’ beneath the moon phases aperture, comes accompanied by its original box and paperwork including the Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Asprey & Co Ltd confirming the signature to the dial. What is more it has been preserved in very original condition, retaining strong proportions and crisp edges.

The case design, in comparison to the models it succeeded, displays a clear departure from Patek’s 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 models which tended to be softer and more rounded. The combination of these characteristics give the reference a very contemporary feel even today, it is therefore to be expected that the watch remains a hugely desirable model.