PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 3448YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASESMADE IN 1973

Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 27-460 Q automatic, 37 jewelsMovement number: 1'119'317 Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on backCase number: 330'585 Closure: Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k yellow gold folding claspDimensions: 37 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on January 30th, 1974

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. CASE: in attractive condition with crisp hallmark underneath the lug and some sharpness to the case. There are signs of polishing and there is some surface wear throughout. DIAL: in very good condition with minor surface blemishes visible with the naked eye and some losses underneath the bezel. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

In 1962, Patek Phillipe launched the Reference 3448, the world's first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. It was innovative not only thanks to the technical achievements of the watch, but it was also elegantly presented in what was then a very oversized and slim case, made by Antoine Gerlach. The present watch has the correct first series case with a flatter bezel, the plexiglass giving a more vintage look to the piece and the Calatrava cross crown which replaced the PP crown in 1965.

The very well-preserved dial is typical of the production after 1972 with printed signature and straight date. 

According to our research, there were less than 600 examples manufactured in total, including 450 pieces in yellow gold, until its discontinuation in 1981 when the 3450 with leap-year indication was introduced to the market.

The present lot is a rare example by any standards and with such elegant lines and enduring case design, it would be a quintessential addition to any important wristwatch collection.