Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XV Geneva Saturday, May 7, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1968
    Reference No: 3448
    Movement No: 1'119'082
    Case No: 328'477
    Model Name: "Padellone"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460, 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 Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1968 and its subsequent sale on March 19, 1968.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 3448 was launched in 1962 and remained in production for twenty years, before being replaced by its slightly more advanced descendant reference 3450 which features a leap year indication. It was made in yellow, white and pink gold for a total of only 586 pieces. The movement beating inside this landmark model is a masterpiece of engineering with the addition of a perpetual/moonphase module to cal. 27-460, which is the final evolution of cal. 12-600 (the one powering ref. 2526), and universally considered one of the best automatic movements (if not the best automatic movement) of all times.

    One of the most impressive reference 3448s to grace the market in recent years, this example is a sight to behold. It is a study of how any reference 3448 should look. Most probably unpolished, it displays all factory finishes, from the mini bevels on the side of the lugs, to the multi faceted bezel, and even the crisp hallmarks beneath the lugs. The razor-sharp edges, along with contrasting polished and brushed finishes are undoubtedly original. Furthermore, the dial is preserved in excellent condition with barely any signs of aging. Even the inside case back shows no sign of servicing marks. Most interestingly, the bottom of the lugs display an inventory code - T7221. The outside caseback has an 18k mark, and the inside caseback is stamped HOX (meaning the watch was meant was destined for the American market) we can surmise that the timepiece was possibly sold at the storied retailer, Tiffany & Co.

    The dial too remains in exceptional condition. A first series example, it displays raised enamel graphics with a pearled outer edge. All graphics are crisp, clear and the hard enamel remains raised which is particularly impressive. There are furthermore no visible signs of aging.

    Such bullet proof and near-faultless reference 3448s are incredibly hard to come by and when one does come on the market, it presents a very rare opportunity to acquire a watch that is a "near best" in its category.

  • 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. 3448
An impressive and most probably unpolished yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moonphases

1968
37.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 300,000 
€147,000-295,000
$159,000-319,000

Sold for CHF378,000

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XV

Geneva Auction 7 - 8 May 2022