Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460Q nickel lever movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, free-sprung Gyromax balance, 37 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, 18k signed rotor • silvered dial, applied faceted white gold baton indexes, white gold dauphine hands, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dial indicating date combined with fan-form aperture for phases of the moon, outer painted minute track • large white gold case with sloped bezel, downturned lugs, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe buckle

The watch is in virtually unworn condition. The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The dial is very clean with no spots or marks. The case is in excellent unworn condition. It is very rare to find a white gold 3448, particularly one in such pristine condition. An excellent example. The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1974 and sale on September 25th of that year and an undated Certificate of Origin. Together with Patek Philippe booklets, an associated presentation box and outer packaging

This model, Ref. 3448, was launched in 1962. At that time, it was the only automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch on the market. The model was ultimately succeeded in 1981 by Ref. 3450, produced until 1985. Among some more subtle design differences, this model featured a leap year indication aperture.

The present lot is being offered on behalf of the original owner. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time it is being offered for public sale. According to our research, approximately 120 examples of this reference were produced in white gold. Of those, fewer than half have re-appeared at auction since the model's debut in 1962. The present model is made rarer still by its exceptionally pristine condition.

For a similar example in yellow gold, see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, pp. 288-289.