Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1968 Reference No: 3445 Movement No: 1’127’165 Case No: 325’029 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460M, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 35mm 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 August 22nd, 1968.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s reference 3445 was their first automatic simple calendar waterproof wristwatch, and today is cherished by collectors for its late 20th century modern aesthetic. Released in 1961, it is a model that is as contemporary in the 21st century as it was nearly 60 years ago. Cultural changes following World War II saw a relaxing of social norms with people spending more recreational time outdoors, and gentlemen needed a watch that suited this new lifestyle. The reference 3445 was a highly versatile timepiece able to be worn for dress occasions or casually on the weekends. Over the ensuing years, three series were made with the first fitted with an acrylic crystal, similar to the present watch, the 2nd series made during the late 1970s featuring a higher bezel to accommodate a sapphire crystal, and the 3rd series featuring a sapphire display back. The model was also made with integrated bracelets, and offered with dials in silver, champagne, blue, and later with grey dial with white Roman numerals.
The model stands out for its exceptional movement ticking within. The Patek Philippe caliber 27-460M (“M” for Monodate) is the final evolution of the caliber 12-600, which is widely considered by enthusiasts as one of the finest automatic movements ever made. The present watch is preserved in outstanding overall condition – extremely crisp, hardly worn, and unpolished - and will be a welcome addition to any collection.
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.