Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI Hong Kong Saturday, November 28, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1985
    Reference No: 3450
    Movement No: 1'119'780
    Case No: 2'808'557
    Model Name: "Padellone"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460 QB, 37 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, instruction manual, booklets, 1985 price list, leather portfolio and presentation box. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1985 and its subsequent date of sale on 11th March 1985.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1981, reference 3450 was the successor to reference 3448 - Patek Philippe's very first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch. While aesthetically similar to reference 3448, it most notably features a leap year indicator on the dial. In addition, its case back is slightly smaller and is fitted with a "tongue", enabling it to be easily removed by the wearer. Notably, it is the first serially made Patek Philippe wristwatch featuring leap year indication allowing for an easier setting of the exact date; earlier models required a potentially very lengthy synchronization procedure to manually identify the leap year and then advance to the current year in the cycle.

    Patek Philippe produced very limited quantities of reference 3450, typically casing the model in yellow gold. To date, scholars estimate that Patek Philippe produced only 237 examples in total. While the first-generation examples were fitted with a "red dot" to indicate the leap year, second-generation examples displayed Roman numerals I, II, III and IV, like the present model.

    Offered publicly for the second time only, the present 3450 has been preciously kept by the consignor for over 10 years and it is offered in excellent condition with the original Certificate of Origin and accessories. Preserved extremely well, it displays two hallmarks punched on the caseband, and sharp finishes on the side of the case.

    The present watch, manufactured in 1985, is among the very last examples of reference 3450s ever made before the introduction of reference 3940 making it an extremely high collectible vintage Patek Philippe.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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Property from an important Asian collector

Σ979

Ref. 3450
An important, rare and well-preserved yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, leap year indicator, English calendar, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

1985
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$1,170,000 - 2,340,000 
€126,000-252,000
$150,000-300,000

Sold for HK$2,205,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI

Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2020