Patek Philippe - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1972
    Reference No: 3448
    Movement No: 1’119’254
    Case No: 328’541
    Model Name: ‘Padellone’
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460, 37 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1972 and its subsequent sale on 11 October 1972, product literature, wallet, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s groundbreaking reference 3448, launched in 1962, was the firm’s first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. Nicknamed the “Padellone” by Italian collectors, the reference is adored by collectors for its oversized, 37.5 mm diameter case with clean, angular lines and dial with perfect harmony and symmetry. According to scholarship, there were 586 examples manufactured, the majority in yellow gold, a small number in white gold, two examples were re-cased in platinum in the 1990s, and there is one known in pink gold. In 1981, Patek Philippe discontinued the 3448, introducing the reference 3450, with a leap year indication. The present watch is a stunningly crisp example, with sharp lines to the case and extremely well defined lugs. The dial is beautiful, and in very attractive original condition, with all of its original, hard raised enamel print intact. Adding to its desirability, this reference 3448 is fresh to the market, and is made even more impressive due to its unusual dial configuration. The present example features the second series dial, which is correct for the date of manufacture. Setting this watch apart is the hardly ever seen configuration of its date subdial. The date numerals found on the bottom half are reversed and face inward towards the moon phase, while most examples have the numerals facing out. The present lot is an exceptional example, not only for its wonderful overall condition, but also for its rare dial configuration that makes it a trophy watch for the connoisseur.

  • 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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Ref. 3448
An exceptional, rare, and well‐preserved white gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phase indication, and rare reversed date dial, original literature, and presentation box.

1972
Case, dial and movement signed
37.5mm diameter

Estimate
$250,000 - 500,000 
CHF244,000-487,000
€213,000-426,000
HK$1,950,000-3,900,000

Sold for $471,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017