Patek Philippe

• cal 27-460 QB automatic nickel lever movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 37 jewels, 18k gold rotor • white enamel dial, black enamel Roman numerals, apertures for day, month and with Roman leap year indication, subsidiary dial for date combined with moon-phases • sloped bezel, faceted lugs, engraved monogram with Caduceus to the snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Sotheby's, New York, Important Watches, June 6th and 7th 1990, lot 574
Reginald H. Fullerton, Jr.

This rare example of a Ref. 3450 features the original Stern Creations dial with hand scratched numbers on the back of the dial 119733-NY matching the movement number and suggesting the dial was refinished in NYC perhaps by the Henri Stern Watch Agency (HSWA). The extract states this watch was born with a silvered dial and the dial is presently lacquered in white. The dial is not hard enamel and the color of the dial was most likely changed by the owner's request by HSWA. The case back features a monogram H.B.B. with Caduceus. The movement is in excellent condition but will require a cleaning and overhaul. In addition, the cannon pinion's tension needs to be adjusted to properly secure the hand. The case has been lightly polished but retains attractive definition. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see 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."

With an Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture in 1984 and subsequent sale on November 23rd, 1984. Further accompanied by copy of Mr. Fullerton's service records from Patek Philippe confirming cleaning and overhaul of this watch in March 1995.

Purchased from Sotheby's New York in June 1990, the present model was the fulfillment of Mr. Fullerton's wish to own specific models whose absence rendered his collection, in his opinion, incomplete. Without the Ref. 3450, and the previous lot, Ref. 3448, he felt his wristwatches did not tell the complete story of Patek Philippe's history of perpetual calendar wristwatch production.

With care, he set out to find an example of Ref. 3450 that would not only bridge the gap in the production timeline from 1981-1985, but would be a fascinating counterpoint and departure from the norm. Indeed, the present Ref. 3450 differs from the Ref. 3448 as all examples from this model do, with its thicker bezel, sapphire crystal, and slightly smaller snap case back, measuring 2 mm smaller than that of Ref. 3448. The case of the Ref. 3450 is stamped with the key of Favre & Perret located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, whose mark was registered in 1934.

With only 244 pieces made, Ref. 3450 is a rare find for a collector. The present model bears a dial unknown on any other example from this reference, in white enamel with painted Roman numerals. A collector today can easily imagine Mr. Fullerton's delight as he received the Sotheby's catalogue in 1990 and came to the illustration of the sought-after Ref. 3450, and the immeasurable added satisfaction of his 'find' featuring such a striking dial layout.

It is evident that this watch became a treasured highlight of Mr. Fullerton's collection, as he fastidiously ensured its safekeeping and upkeep, sending it to Patek Philippe for a complete servicing in 1995. Certainly, the piece is well documented from its sale in 1990 to its current offering, and looked after by Mr. Fullerton and his close advisors at Patek Philippe and Henri Stern Watch Agency since its original purchase from Sotheby's. The Extract from the Archives does note a silvered dial for the piece at the time of its 1984 production, which suggests that the original purchaser went back to the firm to request an enamel dial fitted specially for the present Ref. 3450.

For an example of this reference, see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, p. 290, pl. 499a.