Patek Philippe

• automatic cal. 27-460Q stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 37 jewels, Gyromax balance, 18k gold rotor • silvered dial, applied baton indexes, outer pearled minute indexes, gold dauphine hands, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dial for date combined with fan-form aperture for moon phases • 18k yellow gold case, stepped sloped bezel, angular lugs, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with an integrated 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe openwork chain link bracelet 

Movement running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. All calendar pushers in working order. Case in good condition with some pitting to the band near the bottom right lug. Case back with some visible light scratches. Additionally on the case back, some oxidation between the lugs. Hallmarks on the reverse side of the lugs are visible with the naked eye. Case has been polished several times while being serviced by Patek Philippe. With later added Patek Philippe bracelet as confirmed in the Extract from the Archives. Dial is in very good condition.
"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 presentation box, original instructions and correspondence between Patek Philippe and the original owner. Further accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming sale on September 30th, 1971. It further notes that the bracelet in yellow gold was placed on the watch by Patek Philippe during a servicing in November 1974. 

The iconic Ref. 3448 represents the bridge between vintage and modern wristwatches. It was launched in 1962 and production continued for about 20 years. At that time, it was the only automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch on the market, and Patek Philippe's first watch with those features. Ref. 3448 underwent four main evolutions, each introducing a new variation on the design. The present example belongs to the third series, which is distinguished by its pearled minute ring, larger calendar numerals and hour markers set further toward the edge of the dial. Only 586 pieces were made in total.

The present lot features a very attractive and full-length 18k yellow gold openwork chain-link bracelet which is signed by Patek Philippe. According to our research, it is the only example from the reference to feature lugs and this style of bracelet to ever appear at auction. It is being offered now for the first time at auction on behalf of its original owner.

For a similar model, see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. 2, pp. 288-289.