Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1971 Reference No: 3445 Movement No: 1'231'232 Case No: 330'253 Material: 18k white gold Calibre: Automatic, 27-460, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Black Patek Philippe crocodile leather strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 35 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1971 and its subsequent sale on 20 November 1972.
Catalogue Essay
The reference 3445 was first introduced in the early 60's and was the firm's first automatic wristwatch with date. The reference was an instant success and remained in production for another 20 years. The present example, cased in white gold, retains all the highly desirable features the market loves about this reference. The lugs retain the original facets and the sides of the case are very sharp to the touch and the dial displays its wonderful minute markers. In original condition, the present watch is an excellent example.
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.