Reference 3448 is a landmark model in the history of Patek Philippe. It was the firm’s first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch which is remarkable as it remains one of the very few complicated models which Patek Philippe kept producing even during the quartz crisis of the 1970s; it was in fact made from 1961 to 1981 when it was retired in favour of its sibling reference 3450 (very similar, with some minor differences in the case construction and with the leap year indication).

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.

The present example, from the family of the original owner, is an extremely rare version in white gold of which only 60 examples are known. Adding extra rarity is the calendar in German of which only 3 are known (the calendar indications being traditionally in French and English).

The design of the watch is both futuristic in aspect yet taking cues from the 1960s with its short downturned angled lugs, large dial opening and beautiful dial with hard enamel signature.

The movement is based on what is universally recognized as one of the greatest - if not the greatest - automatic movement ever designed: cal. 27-460 (which is the final evolution of historical cal. 12-600AT), upgraded of course with a perpetual movement to become cal. 27-460Q (Q for Quantième).

Fresh to the market and from the family of the original owner, the present reference 3448 remains in very appealing condition with sharp hallmarks beneath the lugs and crisp raised hard enamel signature on the dial.