Reference 3448, launched in 1962 is of the powerful lineage of Patek Philippe’s illustrious perpetual calendar wristwatches references 1526 and 2497.

With this model Patek Philippe once again impressed connoiusseurs and the horological world by introducing the world’s first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch.

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 present watch feature more uniform and modern printing for the signature and date track.