Patek Philippe

The reference 3444 from Patek Philippe had a short production period, running from launch in 1960 through 1963. Some of the first examples wore the caliber 12-600, but the majority had the newer caliber 12-460 with 37 jewels, Giromax balance and massive gold rotor. It is thought that only circa 200 examples of the 3444 were made in total and almost exclusively in yellow gold. The two piece case was made by Baumgartner and featured a waterproof screw down case back with 6 holes for the opening tool along with the PP crown typical of this era Patek Philippe’s. With its 10mm thickness, stepped bezel and elongated lugs, the 3444 feels larger on the wrists than is 35mm diameter. The Stern Freres dials featured engraved enamel signature and subsidiary seconds with applied fancy lapped long applied indexes.

Of the suspected 200 examples made, only 18 have returned to the market, all cased in yellow gold.