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Lot Essay
Please note that Christie’s has applied for an ‘Extract from the Archives’ from Patek Philippe Archives but the Extract has not yet been issued and may not be available by the date of the auction.
The present reference 3450 is a very attractive and very well-preserved example of one of the rarest perpetual calendar models ever made by Patek Philippe in series. It was discontinued 40 years ago but is still regarded as a trophy watch and very wearable classic, making it a must-have for any Patek Philippe collector.
The 3450, which was introduced as the replacement for the renowned reference 3448, was much rarer as it was only produced for roughly five years. Its most significant improvement over its predecessor was the inclusion of a leap-year indicator on the dial. With its crisp, clean lines and beautifully preserved case hallmarks, the current watch is offered in excellent overall condition.
Reference 3450
In 1981, reference 3448 was replaced by the reference 3450, with an upgraded calibre 27-460 QB (Quantième Bissextile). The additional of a leap-year indicator, which is shown through a unique window at four o'clock, was its main difference from its predecessor. While the second series, like the present watch, used Romain numerals I, II, III, and IV to indicate the leap-year cycle, the first series used a simple red disk to show the leap-year.
Only 244 examples of reference 3450 were made in total, with the great majority of them being in yellow gold and less than a few in white gold. With the introduction of the reference 3940, which marked the beginning of a new era for Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar wristwatches, production of the 3448 and 3450 ceased in 1985.
The present reference 3450 is a very attractive and very well-preserved example of one of the rarest perpetual calendar models ever made by Patek Philippe in series. It was discontinued 40 years ago but is still regarded as a trophy watch and very wearable classic, making it a must-have for any Patek Philippe collector.
The 3450, which was introduced as the replacement for the renowned reference 3448, was much rarer as it was only produced for roughly five years. Its most significant improvement over its predecessor was the inclusion of a leap-year indicator on the dial. With its crisp, clean lines and beautifully preserved case hallmarks, the current watch is offered in excellent overall condition.
Reference 3450
In 1981, reference 3448 was replaced by the reference 3450, with an upgraded calibre 27-460 QB (Quantième Bissextile). The additional of a leap-year indicator, which is shown through a unique window at four o'clock, was its main difference from its predecessor. While the second series, like the present watch, used Romain numerals I, II, III, and IV to indicate the leap-year cycle, the first series used a simple red disk to show the leap-year.
Only 244 examples of reference 3450 were made in total, with the great majority of them being in yellow gold and less than a few in white gold. With the introduction of the reference 3940, which marked the beginning of a new era for Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar wristwatches, production of the 3448 and 3450 ceased in 1985.