Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1976 Reference No: 3448 Movement No: 1’119’439 Case No: 332’558 Model Name: Padellone Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 27-460Q, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile 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 date of manufacture of the present watch in 1976 and its subsequent sale on January 3rd, 1977. Further accompanied by a later Patek Philippe presentation box and outer packaging, Patek Philippe brochure, 2019 Henri Stern service invoice, and Patek Philippe service tag.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Phillippe’s groundbreaking reference 3448 was launched in 1962 as the world's first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch, replacing the earlier manually wound perpetual references 1526 and 2497. Today, it is one of the most coveted models due to its symmetry, harmony and robust Calatrava-style case produced by Antione Gerlach. The exquisite caliber 27-460 Q (“Q” for Quantiême) was built on Patek Philippe’s first automatic caliber 12-600 introduced in 1953. After almost two decades in production, in 1981 the brand replaced the 3448 with the reference 3450 featuring a leap year indicator, which was later disconnected in the mid-1980s, replaced by the reference 3940.
Nicknamed the “Padellone” by Italian collectors, the reference 3448 is adored by collectors 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. Later examples, such as the current lot, feature more uniform and modern print for the signature and date track.
The present example is in lovely condition, and was factory serviced in 2019, and since then remained sealed until opened for catalogue photography. The model is one of Patek Philippe’s finest creations and is an icon within horological circles. Freshly serviced, it is certain to impress those who wear it.
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.
