Patek Philippe

cal.27-460Q damascened nickel lever movement stamped twice with the Geneva seal, 37 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, 18k gold engine-turned rotor • gilt dial, applied faceted baton numerals, dauphine hands, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dial for date combined with phases of the moon • large 18k gold case with polished chamfered bezel, satin finished band, faceted lugs, sunken crown within the case, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle

Property of a Private Collector, Christie's Geneva, 13th November 2001, lot 18.

The movement is running while cataloguing, all functions appear to be operational on the day of cataloguing. Great dial in lovely condition. Case very crisp, retaining excellent definition. Fabulous watch in overall stunning condition. The reference 3448 with this dial has a strong appeal both from a design and technical point of view.
"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 1970 and sale on August 21st the same year.

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. Only three examples of the model are known with gilt dials, one of which has luminescent numerals, consequently, only one other example is publicly recognised with the same configuration as the present lot.

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 altering 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. The present lot remains in outstanding condition and retains excellent definition to the case. As polishing softens the crisp linear appearance of the model, it is highly desirable to find the model in such good condition.