Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1982
    Reference No: 3450
    Movement No: 1’119’616
    Case No: 2’788’640
    Model Name: Padellone “Red Dot”
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460 Q, 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 Certificate of Origin stamped by Italian retailer Gobbi Gioielli and original presentation box. Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1982 and its subsequent sale on June 22nd, 1982.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s legendary line of perpetual calendar wristwatches is known for their symmetry, harmony, and timeless elegance. The brand introduced their first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch, the reference 3448 in 1962, and the complication is still cherished 60 years later with the present-day references 5327, 5236, and 5320. Launched in 1981, reference 3450 was the successor to reference 3448 – Patek Philippe’s very first perpetual calendar wristwatch to indicate leap years. While aesthetically similar to reference 3448, it most notably indicates the leap year via an aperture at 3:30 on the dial. In addition, its case back is slightly smaller and is fitted with a "tongue", enabling it to be easily opened.

    Technically, the model represents one of the pinnacles of watchmaking. It is powered by the caliber 27-460Q, the perpetual (Q: Quantième) upgrade of caliber 27-460 which is considered one of the finest automatic movements of all time. Built atop the same exquisite caliber as the reference 3448, the caliber 27-460 is considered by many connoisseurs, watchmakers, and scholars as one of the finest automatic movements ever produced by any brand.

    The present watch, manufactured in 1982, is a rare and early first generation of the reference 3450 fitted with a “red dot” leap year indicator. Earliest examples of the reference featured this "red dot", also known as "bollino rosso", charmingly nicknamed by Italian collectors, to indicate the fourth year of the leap year cycle. Later examples would instead display the Roman numerals I, II, III and finally ‘IV’ for the leap year.

    Enhancing its desirability is its exceptional condition. It retains very sharp and well-defined bevels, original, superb satin finishing on the case and on the lugs, and crisp, perfectly preserved hallmarks. The dial is virtually flawless - free from any defects. Furthermore, it retains its original Certificate of Origin, indicating it was initially retailed by famed Italian retailer Gobbi Gioielli.

  • 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. 3450
An extraordinarily well-preserved and highly coveted yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with “red dot” leap year indication, moon phase, Certificate of Origin, and presentation box

1982
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$200,000 - 400,000 
CHF178,000-355,000
€190,000-380,000
HK$1,560,000-3,110,000

Sold for $419,100

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, 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: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024