PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 3450A YELLOW GOLD AUTOMATIC PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES MADE IN 1982

Dial: silveredCaliber: 27-460Q automatic movement, 37 jewelsMovement number: 1119647Case: 18k yellow gold, solid hinged case backCase number: 558572Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckleSize: diameter 38 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe presentation box, Extract from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture in 1982 and sale on April 11, 1983, leather bi fold and booklets, including instructional booklet

CASE Case in overall excellent condition, with very minor wear and superficial marks consistent with age. Case is overall robust, crisp and well defined. A light surface scuff to the right side case band. DIAL Dial in excellent condition. MOVEMENT Calendar and moon phases functions work properly. Movement running at time of cataloguing, 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."

Patek Philippe introduced to the market reference 3448.  Almost two decades later, they made some slight upgraded alterations to the beloved watch when introducing reference 3450.  Reference 3450 was in production from 1981 through 1985, and according to scholarship, only 244 examples were made – making this reference more limited than its predecessor.  Despite there being quite a few minor upgrades to reference 3450, arguably the biggest difference between the two references was the improved movement.

Reference 3450 houses the caliber 27-460 QB, which was the firm’s first movement to incorporate a leap year indicator. This example from 1982 features a “Roman” leap year indicator, located on the dial between the 3 and 4 o’clock position. Offered in overall excellent condition, the present watch is an excellent representation of Patek Philippe’s constant innovation over the course of its history.