Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460 automatic movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 37 jewels, Gyromax balance • silky blue dial, applied yellow gold baton indexes, subsidiary seconds, aperture for date, national emblem of Iraq • 18k yellow gold case, screw-down associated sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Automatic movement in working order when cataloguing. Dial is very nice and clean, in very good condition. Case with a few light and faint surface hairlines around the bezel and back. Buckle with light wear. Overall in very good condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. **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."

With a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives and an interchangeable 18k yellow gold case back.

Ref. 3445, frequently referred to as the 'Mono-date', was the first calendar wristwatch in production by Patek Philippe between 1961 and 1981. The watch being offered is in essentially superb condition, retaining a crisp, flat bezel with non-polished edges and is accentuated by well-defined faceted lugs, which are a key characteristic of this reference. Unlike its counterparts with acrylic crystal top, this present example bearing the reference number of 3445/100 is in the third series of production in the late 1970s, equipped with a domed sapphire crystal top and a higher bezel. Further adorned with an elegant silky blue dial and Iraq national emblem, this watch is without exaggeration one of the rarest and most desirable timepieces for discerned connoisseurs and collectors alike. According to our research, only an exceedingly small series of examples with such dial setting have appeared in auction.