Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1968 Reference No: 3445 Movement No: 1'128'359 Case No: 325'647 Material: 18k white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460M, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Black Patek Philippe crocodile strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 35mm diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe black leather presentation box, later polish cloth and outer packaging. Further with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch in 1968 and its subsequent sale on April 10th, 1969.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe introduced the reference 3445, its first automatic wristwatch with date, in 1961 and continued production until 1981. Produced in all metals, and with a variety of dial types, it was a highly successful model, not only for its automatic movement but also it generous 35mm case with modern aesthetic. The watch takes on a sporty feel with its screw down case back. The present watch is a lovely example for connoisseurs of vintage timepieces.
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.