Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: SIX New York Saturday, June 11, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1983
    Reference No: 3450
    Movement No: 1’119’662
    Case No: 558’563
    Model Name: “Padellone”
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460 QB, 37 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated April 1984, letter from Patek Philippe dated April 21st 1994 confirming the authenticity of the sapphire caseback, and red leather Patek Philippe presentation box. Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1983 and its subsequent sale on September 7th 1983.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1981, reference 3450 was the successor to the reference 3448 - Patek Philippe's very first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch. While aesthetically similar to reference 3448, it most notably features a leap year indication on the dial. Setting this specific ref. 3450 apart from its kin, it is one of only 6 total examples known to be fitted with a sapphire caseback – a special request from the original owner and confirmed by a letter from Patek Philippe.

    The case design of the model dates to the 1960s with the advent of the reference 3448, when it was a startling departure from previous perpetual calendar case and dial design. The dial is airy and clean, and the aesthetic impact of the watch is defined by the straight, angular lugs and the large, sloping bezel contrasting with the satin-finished case band.

    Technically, the model represents one of the pinnacles of watchmaking. It is powered by the caliber 27-460Q, the perpetual (Q: Quantième) upgrade of calibre 27-460 which is considered one of the finest automatic movements of all time. It represents the final evolution of the famous caliber 12-600, the first Patek Philippe automatic movement. As Rolex held the patent for the automatic rotor, Patek Philippe patiently waited for its expiration and in the meanwhile put their R&D department to work, for decades, on an automatic movement.

    It is no surprise, therefore, that a client might have requested a sapphire caseback to behold at his leisure the magnificently finished and technically impressive movement. Since appearing at auction in 2004 when it was consigned by the original owner, it has remained ensconced in one of the greatest American collections of vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches. Fully corroborated and in a breathtaking state of preservation, the flawless dial is housed within a case in near-perfect condition, having never been previously polished. Furthermore, the German retailer Huber-signed papers validates the German calendar, of which this is the second ever example. Complete with its original Certificate of Origin, original box, and correspondence from Patek Philippe confirming the originality of the sapphire case back, it is one of the finest examples of a reference 3450 to crown a collection of the world’s best timepieces.

  • 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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Σ90

Ref. 3450
An extremely scarce and exceptionally well-preserved yellow gold automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, leap year indication, factory sapphire crystal display back, Certificate of Origin, and presentation box

1983
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$250,000 - 500,000 
CHF249,000-498,000
€240,000-480,000
HK$1,960,000-3,920,000
S$349,000-698,000

Sold for $327,600

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: SIX

New York Auction 11-12 June 2022