Patek Philippe’s ground-breaking reference 3448, launched in 1962, was the world's first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phase. The model replaced the earlier, manually wound references 1526 and 2497. The exquisite caliber 27-460 Q ("Q" for Quantiême) was built on Patek’s first automatic caliber 12-600 AT introduced in 1953. In 1981, Patek Philippe discontinued the 3448, introducing the reference 3450, with a leap year indication. 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. According to scholarship, there were 586 examples of the reference 3448 manufactured, with the majority in yellow gold, a small number in white gold, two examples were re-cased in platinum in the 1990s, and one known in pink gold.

Nicknamed the “Padellone” by Italian collectors, the reference is adored 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, and the dial with perfect harmony and symmetry.

The present watch is a stunningly crisp example with sharp lines to the case and extremely well defined lugs. The watch has remained unused and securely stored for years developing a pinkish patina throughout. The dial is beautiful, and in very attractive original condition, with all of its original, hard raised enamel print intact. The present example features the third series dial with beady divisions, the indices are closer to the outer edge of the dial, and larger numerals for the date ring with the lower half presented upside-down. This peculiar feature is found on very early third series dials, produced for a very short time until it was replaced with a fourth series dial configuration and it is found on very few examples made during the early 1970s. Furthermore, this reference 3448 bears Spanish language day and month wheels, adding an additional layer of rarity and interest.

Fresh to the market, the present lot combines rarity, timeless aesthetics, and highest quality watchmaking, the "Padellone" is one of Patek Philippe’s finest creations, and this exceptional example with rare dial type will certainly impress discerning collectors.

PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN COLLECTOR