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View full screen - View 1 of Lot 2245. "Padellone", Reference 3448 | A close to new, fresh to the market white gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, original certificate, box and strap, Made in 1978.

Patek Philippe

"Padellone", Reference 3448 | A close to new, fresh to the market white gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, original certificate, box and strap, Made in 1978

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Premium Lots

Auction Closed

October 21, 07:40 AM GMT

Estimate

4,000,000 - 8,000,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Patek Philippe

"Padellone", Reference 3448

A close to new, fresh to the market white gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, original certificate, box and strap, Made in 1978

Dial: silvered

Calibre: cal. 27-460 Q automatic, 37 jewels

Movement number: 1'119'557

Case: 18k white gold, snap on case back

Case number: 332'653

Closure: black Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k white gold buckle

Size: 37 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1978 and its subsequent sale on 3 October 1980 and presentation box

The perpetual calendar stands as one of horology's most revered complications, a mechanical brain capable of tracking the correct date, month, and even leap years without adjustment until the year 2100, so long as the watch remains wound. Patek Philippe first miniaturized this marvel for the wrist in 1923, cementing its own legendary status in the process. The brand later revolutionized the category in 1962 with the reference 3448, the first serially produced perpetual calendar with an automatic movement. This masterpiece blended a classical dial layout—featuring day/month apertures and a moon phase sub dial—with the modern innovation of the automatic calibre 27-460, one of the finest automatic movements ever crafted.

Perhaps most famously, the reference 3448 is celebrated for its bold and futuristic case design. At 37 mm, it was notably large for its era—earning it the nickname Padellone (Italian for "big frying pan"). The case architecture broke with the past: gone were the rounded, curvaceous profiles of earlier models, replaced by sharp angles and angular lugs. Most distinctive of all was the sloped bezel, which led collectors to affectionately dub it Disco Volante, or "flying saucer." Despite a production run lasting nearly two decades, fewer than 600 examples were made, with white gold versions like this one being particularly rare. Today, the reference 3448 is rightly considered a cornerstone of haute horology, celebrated as both a technical milestone and one of the most beautiful watches ever created.

Hardly worn and preserved in close to new condition, the watch is as crisp as it can be. The sides, when touched, are razor sharp. The bezel and case back still have an original factory seal. With an untouched hallmark in the centre of the case back, the watch still retains with its original strap. Accompanied by the Certificate of Origin and its original presentation box, this is an extraordinary opportunity to acquire one of the best reference 3448 examples on the market.

百達翡麗 "Padellone" 型號3448

近全新白金萬年曆腕錶，備月相顯示，1978年製

附帶證書、後補資料庫精粹、盒子

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."