GE1301

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Lot 362
  • 362

Patek Philippe

Estimate
100,000 - 200,000 CHF
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Description

  • A RARE 18K YELLOW GOLD AUTOMATIC PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON-PHASESREF 3448 MVT 1119458 CASE 332574 MADE IN 1976
  • yellow gold
  • diameter 37 mm thickness 12 mm
• cal. 27-460 Q automatic nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 37 jewels • silvered matte dial, applied faceted yellow gold baton numerals, day and month apertures in English below 12 o'clock, subsidiary dial for date combined with phases of the moon • circular case, snap-on case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Condition

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require a service in the near future to be well preserved. Dial in good condition. Case with signs of wear. Overall in good condition. The strap of this watch is made of endangered species. For more information please consult important notices.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This model, Ref. 3448, was launched in 1962. At that time, it was the only automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch on the market. Ref. 3448 underwent four main evolutions, each introducing a new variation on the design. The present example belongs to the final evolution, which is distinguished by its sapphire crystal and higher bezel built to accommodate it.
The model was ultimately succeeded by Ref. 3450, produced from 1981 to 1985, which included the leap year indication and some more subtle differences.
It is interesting to note the relatively small quantity of watches made in this reference. Only 586 pieces were made in total over the 20 year production period, meaning roughly 30 examples were made each year. As such, 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 moon-phase sector. Each plate is made in solid gold, hand-enamelled in translucent 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 features of this exceptional and rare model.
For a similar model, see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. 2, pp. 288-289.