Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460Q automatic movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 37 jewels • silvered dial, applied baton indexes, painted minute tracking, apertures for day and month, fan-form sector for moon-phases combined with date, aperture for leap year indication with red dot and Arabic numerals • angular lugs, snap back • case and movement signed by maker, dial signed by maker and retailer • 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle • Extract from the Archives confirming sale 25 March 1982, original folder, instruction booklet, box, packaging

Overall this is a very nice watch in very clean condition but with some signs of wear. The movement is running and the calendar appears to function properly, however it might not have been serviced in a long time and should be serviced soon. The dial is generally in clean and nice condition. There are a few spots throughout, particularly near the moon phases above the Beyer signature. The case shows general wear throughout, but retains sharp lines and crisp edges. The gold stamp to the band is crisp and deep. There are some scuffs to the bezel and one 'ding' on the outer edge of the bezel near 2 o'cock and another one in the side of the upper right lug. Overall it appears that the case has either never been polished or only polished lightly. 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."

Production of reference 3450 began in 1981 and ceased in 1985. In total, only 244 examples were made. Its design marks an evolution from its predecessor, Ref. 3448. For an example of this model, see lot 184 in this sale.

The aperture for leap year indication on Ref. 3450 is the most apparent difference between the present model and Ref. 3448. In the first series of the reference, to which the present example belongs, the leap year indicator was Arabic numerals with a red dot appearing on the leap year. The second series, introduced in the second year of production, featured Roman numerals for each year, including the leap year.

According to our research, only ten examples of Ref. 3450 have come to the market featuring this highly sought after red dot leap year indication. Of these, the present example is the only piece to feature a Beyer retailer's signature on the dial.

Based in Zurich, Beyer Chronometrie boasts one of the strongest relationships with Patek Philippe of any watch retailer having worked together since 1842. The family-owned watch boutique has sold only the highest grade pieces for more than 250 years, Patek Philippe being one of the anchors of their business for their high quality timepieces and innovation. As a mark of their close association, the longest collaboration for both firms, Patek Philippe produced the first series of the famed Ref. 3940 automatic perpetual calendar watch was made as a special edition of 25 pieces for Beyer in 1985.

In addition to the leap year indication, it is interesting to note the subtle case design differences between Ref. 3448 and Ref. 3450. The Ref. 3450 case, made by Favre & Perret of La Chaux-de-Fonds, features a thicker bezel than the 3448, as well as a sapphire crystal. In addition, the Ref. 3450's snap case back is some 2mm smaller than that of the Ref. 3448.

For an example of this reference, see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, pp. 290-291.