百達翡麗｜3448型號黃金萬年曆腕錶備月相顯示，1973年製

Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 27-460 Q automatic, 37 jewelsMovement number: 1'119'257 Case: 18ct yellow gold, snap-on back Case number: 330'591 Closure: black Patek Philippe alligator strap with Patek Philippe 18ct yellow gold pin buckle Dimensions: 37mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on February 19, 1973. 

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 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 post 1972 with printed signature, straight date and pearled minute track. 

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.

This watch is therefore a rare example by any standards, but with the original gold marks still legible on the case, and with such elegant lines and enduring case design, this would be a quintessential ingredient to any important wristwatch collection.