PATEK PHILIPPE | REFERENCE 3448YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON-PHASES MADE IN 1973

Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 27-460 Q automatic, 37 jewelsMovement number: 1'119'257 Case: 18ct yellow gold, snap-on back Case number: 330'591 Closure: black Patek Philippe alligator strap with Patek Philippe 18ct yellow gold pin buckle Dimensions: 37mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on February 19, 1973. 

DIAL: dial and hands in good condition. Discreet signs of light restoration, mainly to the some of the pearled indexes. With one very thin scratch to the moon-phases sub-dial, visible only under strong light and magnification. The edge of the right cut-out for the moon-phase with few scratches only visible under magnification. CASE: in very good condition, showing signs of previous polishing. With minor dents to the bezel, case remains well defined, with a clearly legible hallmark at the bottom of the top right lug. One light scuff to the polished part of the back most probably from previous attempt to open the case. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing, date and day of the week advance. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. **Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected 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."

In 1962, Patek Phillipe launched the Reference 3448, the world's first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch.  It was innovative not only thanks to the technical achievements of the watch, but it was also elegantly presented in what was then a very oversized slim case made by Antoine Gerlach. The present watch has the correct first series case with a flatter bezel, the plexiglass giving a more vintage look to the piece and the Calatrava cross crown which replaced the PP crown in 1965.  The very well-preserved dial is typical of the production post 1972 with printed signature, straight date and pearled minute track. 

According to our research, there were less than 600 examples manufactured in total, including 450 pieces in yellow gold, until its discontinuation in 1981 when the 3450 with leap-year indication was introduced to the market.

This watch is therefore a rare example by any standards, but with the original gold marks still legible on the case, and with such elegant lines and enduring case design, this would be a quintessential ingredient to any important wristwatch collection.