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Lot Essay
Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with gold bracelet in 1972 and its subsequent sale on October 16th of the same year. Further accompanied by a Patek Philippe instruction manual, Patek Philippe plastic service bag and Patek Philippe service tie-tag.
Reference 3448 was introduced in 1962 and was the first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch produced in series by any manufacturer. It is known that a total of only 596 were made over the following 23 years.
The present watch stands out amongst other reference 3448 because of its 18k gold Patek Philippe link bracelet and clasp stamped JPE for Jean-Pierre Ecoffe. The Patek Philippe extract that accompanies this watch confirms the watch was born with its bracelet in the early 1970's, underlining the firm's relationship with JPE as well as further confirming the originality of the timepiece. This attractive feature adds a rarity seldom seen on other reference 3448 wristwatches that have been identified at auction and not only does the bracelet add rarity on its own accord, but to see a 3448 with a bracelet that also hosts the watches lugs is a wonderfully surprising occurrence. Having the lugs and the bracelet adds presence on the wrist and a certain unusual feature that even the most well educated collector does not see regularly.
Fresh to the market, this 3448/4 recently returned from Patek Philippe Geneva service atelier to the original owner’s family. Cleaned, overhauled, and professionally serviced at the site of its birth 44 years ago, this well-preserved timepiece features attractive oversized date numerals with beautifully raised beaded outer minute markers.
Reference 3448 is illustrated in Patek Philippe by M. Huber and A. Banberry, 1998, pp. 288-290.
Reference 3448 was introduced in 1962 and was the first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch produced in series by any manufacturer. It is known that a total of only 596 were made over the following 23 years.
The present watch stands out amongst other reference 3448 because of its 18k gold Patek Philippe link bracelet and clasp stamped JPE for Jean-Pierre Ecoffe. The Patek Philippe extract that accompanies this watch confirms the watch was born with its bracelet in the early 1970's, underlining the firm's relationship with JPE as well as further confirming the originality of the timepiece. This attractive feature adds a rarity seldom seen on other reference 3448 wristwatches that have been identified at auction and not only does the bracelet add rarity on its own accord, but to see a 3448 with a bracelet that also hosts the watches lugs is a wonderfully surprising occurrence. Having the lugs and the bracelet adds presence on the wrist and a certain unusual feature that even the most well educated collector does not see regularly.
Fresh to the market, this 3448/4 recently returned from Patek Philippe Geneva service atelier to the original owner’s family. Cleaned, overhauled, and professionally serviced at the site of its birth 44 years ago, this well-preserved timepiece features attractive oversized date numerals with beautifully raised beaded outer minute markers.
Reference 3448 is illustrated in Patek Philippe by M. Huber and A. Banberry, 1998, pp. 288-290.