Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1974 Reference No: 3448 Movement No: 1'119'362 Case No: 331'518 Model Name: Padellone Material: 18k gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460Q, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Brown leather strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 37mm diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by a Patek Philippe presentation box. Furthermore the watch is offered with an Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch in 1974 and its subsequent sale on October 21, 1974. Literature: Reference 3448 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 288.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 3448 is a worthy heir to Patek Philippe’s long lineage of perpetual calendars, which commenced with reference 1526. A pivotal watch in the history of horology, the latter was the very first serially produced perpetual calendar wristwatch that was launched in 1941. Reference 3448's similarly groundbreaking as it was the world’s first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch when it was introduced in 1962. The watch was fitted with Patek Philippe’s in-house caliber, the 27-460Q, which was patented by the firm. Furthermore, the caliber bears the prestigious Geneva seal underlining the painstaking hand finish it has gone through.
In production until the launch of its successor, the reference 3450 with leap year indicator, 586 examples were manufactured during its 20-year production run.
The reference 3448 is a highly collectible watch both for its high quality movement and its modern design aesthetic that was ahead of its time. The large, 37mm case diameter gives it a masculine presence on the wrist while giving a hint of things to come.
The present timepiece is a fine example of this timeless model. Dating from 1974 October 21, it features the third series dial with perlé minute markers and a date ring with large numerals. The dial is further enhanced with the sigma symbols on either side of the ‘Swiss’ designation at 6 o’clock, denoting that the baton numerals are in gold. Furthermore, the day and month indicators of the calendar are displayed in Italian – a rare and desirable configuration.
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.