Patek Philippe - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1978
    Reference No: 3448
    Movement No: 1’119’532
    Case No: 332’880
    Model Name: "Padellone"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460 Q, 37 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, strap, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1978 and its subsequent sale on August 18th, 1980.
    Literature: The reference 3448 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 288.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The groundbreaking reference 3448, launched in 1962, was the world's first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. It replaced the earlier, manually-wound references 1526 and 2497. Within beats the exquisite caliber 27-460 Q ("Q" for quantième), which built on Patek’s first automatic caliber 12-600 AT introduced in 1953. After almost two decades of 3448 production, it was replaced by the reference 3450 which featured a leap year indicator. A very robust, full-rotor automatic movement highly regarded by enthusiasts, the caliber powering Patek Philippe’s perpetual calendar watches was replaced by the ultra-thin caliber 240 Q when the 3450 was discontinued and the reference 3940 was introduced in the mid-1980s.

    Nicknamed the “Padellone” by Italian collectors, the reference is adored by collectors for its oversized, 37.5 mm diameter case with clean, angular lines and the symmetrical and balanced dial. The way in which the wide bezel slopes dramatically outwards from the dial, with jutting angular lugs, gives the impression of a watch much larger than its actual case measurements. Later examples, such as the current lot, would feature more uniform and modern printing for the signature and date track.

    The present lot is fresh-to-the-market and retains its and original hallmarks, including two small owl hallmarks on the case back, indicating it was originally destined for the French market. Fitted with Italian day and date calendar wheels at 12 o’clock, it was likely a special order requested for an Italian client living in France. Combining rarity, timeless aesthetics, and highest quality watchmaking, the "Padellone" is one of Patek Philippe’s finest creations, and this well preserved example will certainly impress anyone who has the chance to strap it on their wrist.

  • 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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Σ106

Ref. 3448
A very fine and rare yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases

1978
37mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, strap, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$80,000 - 120,000 
CHF79,700-120,000
€69,500-104,000
HK$627,000-941,000

Sold for $118,750

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018