Launched in 1981, reference 3450 was the successor to reference 3448 - Patek Philippe's very first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch. While aesthetically similar to reference 3448, it most notably features a leap year indicator on the dial. In addition, its case back is slightly smaller and is fitted with a "tongue", enabling it to be easily removed. It in fact is the first serially made Patek Philippe wristwatch featuring leap year indication allowing for an easier setting of the exact date; earlier models required a potentially very lengthy synchronisation procedure to manually identify the leap year and then advance to the current year in the cycle.

The present watch, manufactured in 1985, is a representative of the “second series” of reference 3450s. While the first generation examples were fitted with a "red dot" to indicate the leap year, second generation examples displayed Roman numerals I, II, III and IV, like the present model. 

Patek Philippe produced very limited quantities of reference 3450, typically casing the model in yellow gold. To date, scholars estimate that Patek Philippe produced only 237 examples in total, making it one of the rarest Patek Philippe perpetual calendar models ever produced in series.

The present example is a rare variation of the model as it features German calendar discs - as opposed to the English ones usually found on the model. Only 12 examples of second series 3450 in yellow gold are known with this calendar.

This specimen was last seen on the public market in Geneva in 2002, it is a pleasure for us to bring back to the public this lost gem nearly 20 years after its last appearance.