PATEK PHILIPPE

• cal. 27-460Q nickel lever movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, free-sprung Gyromax balance, 37 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, 18k signed rotor • doré dial, applied faceted gold baton indexes with luminescent accents, luminescent gold dauphine hands, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dial indicating date combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases, outer pearled minutes track • large gold case with sloped bezel, angular downturned lugs, engraved monogram to the snap back • case, dial and movement signed 

An exceptional and very rare watch. The movement is running and the calendar correctors all function correctly, however it may require service soon. The doré dial is very rare, particularly in combination with the luminescence. It appears that the translucent lacquer finish has aged, which has slightly changed the color of the surface. The case is in very crisp, unpolished condition, with the edges quite sharp and the gold marks quite crisp. The engraved monogram to the case back reads 'CWR.' There are some scuffs and light surface marks on the case from light to moderate wear. The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by the original Certificate of Origin confirming the doré dial dated June 15th, 1971 as well as an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1971 and sale on June 9th, 1971. Together with a Patek Philippe presentation box and outer packaging.

This exceptional wristwatch is most probably unique within the iconic reference 3448 repertoire for its highly unusual combination of luminescent hands and indexes to its elegant doré dial. Typically, the dials on this model are silvered without any luminescence, thus setting this particular example decidedly apart. Furthermore, the present example is one of only three from this reference known to bear doré dials, and it is the only one of the three to have luminescent accents to its hands and indexes.  

Examples of Ref. 3448 that remain in unpolished condition, such as the present lot, are highly sought after, as the angular case and sharp lines of the model can alter when refreshed. It is those sharp lines that separate Ref. 3448 from the vintage, curvilinear Patek Philippe production style and mark it out as a new departure for the company. The present example is in unpolished condition, retaining crisp definition to the case.

Ref. 3448 was launched in 1962 and, at the time, was the only automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch available on the market. Patek Philippe enhanced its legendary self-winding movement, cal.27-460 with engine-turned gold rotor, adding the perpetual calendar mechanism to the top plate to create cal.27-460Q expressly for this model.

The reference underwent four main evolutions, each introducing a new variation on the design. The present example belongs to the second series which was produced approximately between 1968 and 1976, and varied from the first series by replacing the painted minute track with a pearled minute track.

The subsequent evolutions are distinguished by their larger calendar numerals, wider-set hour indexes, return to the painted minute ring and, in the final series, a larger bezel to accomodate the sapphire crystal setting. Ref. 3448 was ultimately succeeded in 1981 by Ref. 3450, produced until 1985. Among some more subtle design differences, the successor featured a leap year indication aperture.

Over two decades of production, only 586 examples of Ref. 3448 were created.

For a similar example with a silvered dial, see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, pp. 288-289.