Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460 QB automatic damascened nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 37 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, 18k gold signed rotor • silvered dial with applied baton indexes, gold Dauphine hands, apertures for day, month and leap year indication, subsidiary dial indicating date with fan-form aperture for moon-phases, outer minutes track • large 18k yellow gold case with sloped bezel, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold PP bracelet and buckle

Rare and collectible! Automatic movement is running, date, leap year and moon-phases advancing while cataloguing. Lovely clean dial in pristine, original condition. Case with light scuffs from normal wear but this is common and overall case and bracelet do not appear to be polished. Case retains hallmarks and crisp definition. Bracelet is a bit short but in excellent condition. Case numbered 558575 and mvt numbered 1119660.
"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."

Production of REF. 3450 began in 1981 and ceased in 1985. This reference replaced calibre 27-460 to the improved caliber 27-460 QB (Quantieme Bissextile) which features a leap year indicator. It appears that in total only 244 pieces were made and mostly in yellow gold.

As the successor of REF. 3448, these two references have slight differences. Produced by different case makers, REF. 3450 has a thicker bezel, a thicker sapphire crystal and a different movement fitting. The evolution of this reference was also featured from the visible aperture for the leap year indication. In the first series, the leap year indicator used Arabic numerals with a red dot appearing on the leap year. Later in 1982, the leap year indicator came in with Roman numerals, which the present lot belongs. To our best of our knowledge, it is the first time the present watch has been offered at auction.

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and an Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the silvered dial, the applied indexes in yellow gold and its subsequent sale in 1983.  Further accompanied by a wooden presentation box with outer card box, a setting pin.