Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1976 Reference No: 3448 Movement No: 1'119'436 Case No: 3'325'555 Model Name: "Padellone" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460Q, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold clasp Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated September 27, 1978 and fitted presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1976 and its subsequent sale on January 18, 1977.
Catalogue Essay
Today, reference 3448 is one of the most coveted Patek Philippe models due to its symmetry, harmony and robust case size. It was a groundbreaking model. At the time of launch, it was the world’s first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. Introduced in 1962, the reference was in production for approximately 20 years with 586 examples manufactured in total. The cases were produced by Antoine Gerlach, who specialized in Calatrava-style cases.
The present watch is a superlative example. Offered in most probably unpolished condition, this timepiece truly showcases Patek Philippe's original factory specifications. The razor-sharp edges, along with contrasting polished and brushed finishes are undoubtedly original. Furthermore, the dial is preserved in excellent condition with barely any signs of aging.
Even rarer still, is the presence of the original certificate stating the watch was retailed at Gobbi - fitting, as the Day and Date at 12 o'clock is in Italian.
Combining rarity, condition and the presence of its original sale documents and box, the present piece represents without a doubt one of the pinnacles of vintage wristwatch collecting.
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.