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 gold rotor engraved with the Calatrava cross • replaced 18k gold silvered dial, applied faceted gold indexes, 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 circular 18k gold case with sloped bezel, downturned lugs, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k gold Patek Philippe scale-form bracelet

It should be noted that the dial bears the OSwissO inscription at the bottom, which was used on pieces comprising gold from the early 1970s until the early 1990s. Keeping in mind these dates and the watch's date of production, this indicates that the dial was replaced at some point, likely during service by Patek Philippe. The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The case is in clean condition with very light surface wear and appears to have been polished at some point as it has somewhat lost its sharp corners. The gold stamp below the winding crown is shallow but visible. The Calatrava cross winding crown appears to be a replacement done by Patek Philippe, as it should be a PP crown. The replaced dial appears very clean with no visible spots or marks. 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 1963 and sale on November 18th, 1965.

For a note on Ref. 3448, and an example in white gold, see lot 183. The first example of this reference was movement number 1119000, making the present example, 003, the fourth to have been produced.

For Ref. 3448, No. 001, see Sotheby's Geneva, May 16th, 2006, lot 122. For Ref. 3448, No. 005, see Sotheby's New York, June 13th, 2007, lot 28.

It is interesting to note the relatively small quantity of this series that were produced over a 20-year period. With only about 20 examples in this series being produced annually, Patek Philippe's technicians were able to pay the utmost attention to each piece.

One marker of the artistry that went into Ref. 3448 is the moonphase sector. Each plate is made in solid gold, hand-enamelled in transluscent blue, set in high temperatures, and polished so that the gold stars and moon shine. As a result, each plate bears slight variations from the next in the placement of the stars and tones of blue, and is one of the most strikingly attractive feature of this exceptional and rare model.