Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 3448
    Movement No: 1'119'509
    Case No: 332'867
    Model Name: Padellone, fourth series
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460Q, 37 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the watch in 1977 and its subsequent sale on April 4, 1978

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 3448 is without a doubt a milestone in Patek Philippe’s production. The case as well is remarkable, and a true break with what seen until that time at Patek Philippe. The curvy lines of previous perpetual calendar cases (such as ref. 1518, 1526, 2499, 2497…) are completely abandoned in favor of a futuristic design defined by sharp edges and straight lines, adapting to a fashion which was budding in the late 1950s and fully bloomed throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The large sloped bezel works in conjunction with the clean dial and amplifies the already generous 37mm dimensions of the watch.

    The model was introduced in 1962 and four series are recognized for this model, with a total output estimated at 586 examples:
    - The first series features small calendar ring, indexes closer to the center of the dial and engraved/enamelled minute divisions
    - The second series introduces beady minute divisions
    - The third series maintains the beady divisions but introduces the large numerals for the date rings and indexes closer to the outer edge of the dial
    -The fourth series - exemplified by the present timepiece - features printed minuted divisions.

    The connoisseur will immediately notice the superb condition of the piece, its case covered with a strong layer of oxidation indicating years spent in a safety deposit box. Once the watch is turned, not the usual one or two, but astoundingly four perfectly crisp hallmarks - including the one on the caseback, an obviously very sensitive location - greet and delight the beholder. Finally, its appeal and collectability are boosted to a superior level by the presence of the Gübelin signature, one of the most respected watch retailers in Switzerland. Co-signed pieces are an extremely rare find and are equally coveted by collectors; in conjunction with the superb condition, the co-signature makes this example a “trophy watch” which will be treasure and delight of its new owner for years to come.

  • 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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Σ1093

Ref. 3448
A very fine, rare and important yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moonphases, retailed by Gübelin

1977
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$780,000 - 1,180,000 
€87,900-133,000
$100,000-151,000

Sold for HK$1,375,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019