Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460 nickel lever movement, 37 jewels, yellow gold rotor • silvered dial, applied gold 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, solid snap on case back • case, dial and movement signed 

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Case is in overall excellent vintage condition with corners and hallmark in crisp and visible shape to the naked eye. This superlative condition is rare for any watch of its age, but truly a treasure when the piece belongs to such an sought-after and collectible reference. Light shop wear. The dial and movement are in excellent condition. The dial has been refurbished at one point in the watch's life, however it is expertly done and most likely was finished at Henri Stern. With this piece, aficionados can see precisely how such a watch looked when it left the casemaker's bench in the Patek Philippe atelier some five decades ago. It is being offered by the family of the original owner, and this is the first time the watch has been offered at auction.
"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."

Accompanied by a presentation case. 

The present example serves as the ideal study of how Ref. 3448 should look and feel; each line, corner and hallmark serves as testimony to the watch's pristine condition. This superlative condition is rare for any watch of its age, but truly a treasure when the piece belongs to such an sought-after and collectible reference.

With this piece, aficionados can see precisely how such a watch looked when it left the casemaker's bench in the Patek Philippe atelier some five decades ago. It is being offered by the family of the original owner, and this is the first time the watch has been offered at auction.

The Ref. 3448 bears the distinction of a singular case design, which is substantial in its size and strikingly angular in its shape. Over decades of wear and use, many of the cases are polished, causing the sharp edges of the bezel to wear down, and the lugs to become rounded and even to shorten from their original length. It is a privilege to behold an example such as the present, and to feel sharp lines and edges in one's hands precisely as they were first drawn and created, as if the casemaker himself just completed the finishing touches.

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 first series, which is distinguished by its pearl minute divisions.

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