Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XX Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1972
    Reference No: 3448
    Movement No: 1'119'268
    Case No: 330'602
    Model Name: "Padellone"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, 27-460Q, 37 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1972, and its subsequent sale on March 6th, 1973, additional black alligator strap and leather presentation box

  • Catalogue Essay

    The reference 3448 holds an important place in the history of Patek Philippe. It was the world’s first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch, replacing the manually wound perpetual calendar references 2497 and 2438/1. Today, it is seen as one of the most sought-after vintage Patek Philippe models due to its robust and sculpted yet harmonious design. Inspired by Bauhaus design, where functionality meets elegance in a celebration of the essential, the reference 3448 is minimalist, eschewing excess to capture the very essence of what's important. The Italian collecting community nicknamed it Padellone due to its case shape reminiscent of a large frying pan.

    The present example is preserved in excellent condition. All graphics are crisp and strong, with the dial showing only a subtle ivory or off-white patina that enhances the timepiece's charisma. An intriguing detail is the lack of Sigma. Due to a change in Swiss law and regulation, all dials produced from 1971 feature this designation, which was eventually phased out approximately a decade later. Furthermore, the inside case back holds an engraved key numbered 4, revealing that the case was made by Antoine Gerlach, a case maker manufacture founded in 1871. Gerlach is best known for making the first cases for the Patek Philippe reference 96 - the original Calatrava.

    Launched in 1962, the reference 3448 was produced for a period of 20 years before being replaced by the reference 3450; an upgraded movement cal. 27-460QB with a leap year indication. The ref. 3448 houses the automatic calibre 27-460Q. Q referring to Quantième.

    The reference was made in four different series and can be determined as follows:

    - The first series features small baton minute divisions with engraved/enameled graphics - 1962 to circa 1965
    - The second series introduced pearl minute divisions and small date ring (earlier ones have engraved/enameled graphics, whereas later ones are printed) - 1965 to circa 1973
    - The third series - exemplified by the present timepiece, maintains pearl minute divisions, and displays a large date ring, the graphics are printed - 1971 to circa 1978
    - The fourth series features small, printed minute divisions - from circa 1978

    Combining rarity, condition and appearing for the first time on the public market, the present timepiece symbolizes one of the pinnacles of vintage wristwatch collecting.

  • 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
A well-preserved and fresh-to-the-market yellow gold automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases and box

1972
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 160,000 
€85,100-170,000
$93,000-186,000

Sold for CHF165,100

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88

tto@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XX

Geneva Auction 9 - 10 November 2024