Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460 QB automatic damascened nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 37 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, 18k gold rotor • silvered dial with applied yellow gold baton indexes, apertures for day, month and leap year indication, subsidiary dial indicating date with fan-form aperture for moon-phases, outer minutes track • 18k yellow gold case with sloped bezel, snap-on case back • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet and clasp • case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Automatic movement in working order when cataloguing. Dial in good condition, nice and clean. Case with surface scratches around the bezel and the back, a few minor scuffs near the right bezel. Bracelet with light scratches from normal wear. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

With a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and an Extract from the Archives.

Production of Ref. 3450 began in 1981 and ceased in 1985, it was the direct descendant to the successful reference 3448, the first world's self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch in production for nearly 20 years. This reference replaced calibre 27-460 with the improved caliber 27-460 QB (Quantieme Bissextile) which features the aperture between 3 & 4 o’clock indicating leap year. It also differs from the Ref. 3448 with a 2 mm smaller snap-on sapphire crystal case back and a thicker bezel.

The production of Ref. 3450 came in variations, while the first series used a red disk and Arabic numerals, the second series changed to Roman numerals I-IV which the present example belongs to.  There was an overlap in production of the 3448 and 3450 which both discontinued in 1985 when Ref. 3940 made its debut. It appears that in total only 244 pieces of this reference were made and mostly in yellow gold, very few in pink or white gold.

Considered a classic since its production, Ref. 3450 is now a prime model of vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches. Due to its increasing rarity, the example shown this season could probably be considered one of the most appealing one coming to the market in recent years. Offering with its original certificate, the watch appears in an honest condition without any repolishing, it displays sharp edges on lugs and bands and crisp hallmarks.  This watch meets all the demands of a discerning collector.