Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460Q automatic nickel lever movement stamped twice with the Geneva seal, 37 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, 18k yellow gold signed rotor • silvered dial with applied faceted square and baton numerals, dauphine hands, pearled minute track, apertures for day and month in English, subsidiary dial indicating date only • 18k yellow gold  replacement Patek Philippe ref.3448 case [detailed on the accompanying Extract] with angular down-turned lugs, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed

Automatic movement running and calendar functions are operating while cataloguing. Very rare dial! Dial is clean and looks great, but minor light scuff beside 8 and 9 o'clock hardly visible with the naked eye. Case has been replaced by Patek Philippe as mentioned on the Extract and retains very good definition, especially to the lugs. Hallmark to the lug is clear. The buckle is not original and not from Patek Philippe.
"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 24th the same year. The remarks field of the Extract notes: "The original case was replaced by the actual one bearing number 331.520, by HSWA [Henri Stern Watch Agency] our distributor in New York in 1978."  Together with wooden Patek Philippe presentation case, card outer box and maroon leather folder.

The 3448 without moon-phases - known to collectors as the "Senza Luna" - was not illustrated in the Patek Philippe retail catalogues of the time and was only available by special request. Of the 586 examples of the reference that were manufactured, only 7 ref. 3448 'Senza Luna' wristwatches are publicly known. The "Senza Luna" dials were manufactured by Patek Philippe's dial maker Stern Frères and archival images show the same configuration, style and layout as the present wristwatch. The simplicity of the dial layout results in exceptional clarity and creates a perfect symmetry of design. Indeed, it is this simplicty of design which epitomises Patek Philippe's perfection of the complication wristwatch where the external beauty and practicality of the watch masks the mechanical complexity of the watchmaker's art beneath. A comparison of the "Senza Luna" dial with a standard dial ref. 3448 can be made by referring to lot 113 in the current auction.