Since the introduction of the world’s first perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, Patek Philippe is regarded as one of the best (and, serially, the first) to execute this complication. Patek Philippe serially produced perpetual calendar models (such as ref 1526 and 2497, or chronograph reference 1518 and 2499) were exclusively manual. Introduced in 1962, the ref. 3448 was the firm’s first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. Aesthetically somewhat futuristic - with a case defined by pure lines and sharp edges, so much so that Italian collectors jokingly and lovingly dubbed it “Padellone”, “Large Frying Pan” - it enormously differed from its predecessors. Inside it, beats one of the most refined Patek Philippe creations: the perpetual calendar version of automatic movement 27-460AT, which is itself the final, most refined iteration of cal. 12-600 AT, considered one of the, if not outright THE, best automatic movement ever developed. This technical supremacy combined with the useful complication and the modern, understated but powerful aesthetics make the present watch one of the most wearable important vintage models of the brand. It is known in four main series (though other out of series variation such as the “upside down date ring” variation are known):
- 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.
With an estimated total production of 586 examples, it is indeed a very rare bird. Mostly encased in yellow gold (around 450 examples estimated) the white gold version is much scarcer than that. While the total white gold output is estimated at about 130 pieces, only about 15 pieces are known to the market with bracelet. Of these watches, the present example is the only one known bearing reference -17, identifying this bracelet style. Other known styles are: -1, -2, -3, -13 and -300.
Beyond its rarity, the condition of this watch is as well remarkable: the case is in virtually “as new” condition, with sharp edges and hardly any surface mark. The grey dial as well is absolutely unrestored an in excellent condition. It is extremely rare to find the dial in this colour. Furthermore, the watch appeared at public sales in 1989 and then in 2002, before disappearing from the market. Beyond the excitement of such a momentous rediscovery, the fact that we have photographic documentation of the watch since such a long time ago, allows us to confirm that it has always been in the present configuration, and even in the same superb condition. Even the fact that the bracelet features a remarkably large 200mm overall length points to the fact that it was never adjusted, and thus the watch was never subject to daily wear.
Phillips is proud to have been entrusted this exciting rediscovery which would deserve a spotlight in any important timepiece collection.
