Patek Philippe

18k, damascened nickel lever movement (cal.27-460), stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 37 jewels, free-sprung gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, 18k gold rotor, white gold dial, applied faceted baton numerals, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dial indicating date combined with phases of the moon, circular case with polished chamfered bezel, satin finished band, faceted lugs, snap-on case back, sunk crown, case, dial and movement signed, with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe folding clasp, accompanied by a Patek Philippe black leather box, swing tag, Certificate of Origin, an Extract form the Patek Philippe Archives and instructions manual

The accompanying Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives confirms that this wristwatch was manufactured in 1973 and sold on January 15th, 1975. 

Reference 3448 was manufactured between 1962 and 1981, it was not only the first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch made in series by Patek Philippe, but the first by any company. Research shows that approximately 120 examples of the reference were manufactured in white gold, of these only 40 are known to have re-appeared on the market. 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 modernising during the 1960s and 1970s. Consequently, the 3448 forms a bridge between the vintage perpetual calendar wristwatches and the more modern examples that followed it. Today it is favoured amongst collectors for the clean sharp lines of the case and its influence can be seen in the clarity of the special edition Patek Philippe 'Wempe' calendar wristwatch made in a limited edition in 2003.

The present lot is especially desirable for its combination of accessories, including the Certificate of Origin (rarely found with other reference 3448 models sold at auction), instructions and the unusual deployant buckle.

This lot is offered for the first time at auction.