Patek Philippe

Reference 3450 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 290, pl. 449a.

Reference 3450 was the direct descendant of the highly successful reference 3448, the world's first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. The most obvious difference between the 3450 and 3448 is the addition of a leap year indicator to the dial. Other differences include the case back which, on the 3450, has slightly different proportions and a ‘tongue’ to allow removal of the case back. The 3450 was manufactured with a slightly raised bezel to allow for the incorporation of a sapphire crystal, a feature absent from all but the very last series of Ref. 3448 models.

Patek Philippe introduced Ref. 3450 in 1981 and production of the model seems to have totalled just 244 pieces. The 3450 featured a new movement calibre, 27-460 QB (Quantieme Bissextile), which included the provision for leap year indication on the dial between 3 & 4 o’clock. The 3450 reference is considered rare and difficult to find as it was produced for such a short period of time, only between 1981 and 1985.

The present lot is offered in honest and attractive condition, and further sold as a full set with its Certificate of Origin and presentation case.