.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial and gold markers in 1983 and its subsequent sale on 14 October 1983.
This ref. 3450 is blessed with a number of features which not only appeal to the savvy collector but also enhance its value and rarity. The experienced aficionado will immediately spot the subtle yet prominent "Tiffany & Co." retailer signature on the dial, an element only known to two other references 3450. Another noteworthy feature is the substantial Patek Philippe gold bracelet, which can be easily added and taken off by its owner to allow wear in the more discreet or flamboyant style. Although not mentioned in Patek Philippe's archives, it is the correct period bracelet for this reference. Lastly, the freshness to the market and provenance which, in today's market, is playing such a vital role. Never offered before at auction and coming from one of the world's most distinguished and private collections, it is a premiere specimen of this landmark reference to come to the market.
In 1981, reference 3450, successor of reference 3448 was introduced into the market with the improved 27'460 QB (Quantième Bissextile) calibre. The model differs from its predecessor by the modified leap year indication, the eccentric small window at 4 o'clock. The first series was made with a simple red disk and Arabic numerals, the second, such as the present watch, with Roman I, II, III and IV leap year indication.
A total of 244 examples of reference 3450 were made, the majority in yellow gold cases, only two in white gold are known to date.
Production of both references 3448 and 3450 was discontinued in 1985 when reference 3940 was launched.
Reference 3450 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 290, pl. 449a.
This ref. 3450 is blessed with a number of features which not only appeal to the savvy collector but also enhance its value and rarity. The experienced aficionado will immediately spot the subtle yet prominent "Tiffany & Co." retailer signature on the dial, an element only known to two other references 3450. Another noteworthy feature is the substantial Patek Philippe gold bracelet, which can be easily added and taken off by its owner to allow wear in the more discreet or flamboyant style. Although not mentioned in Patek Philippe's archives, it is the correct period bracelet for this reference. Lastly, the freshness to the market and provenance which, in today's market, is playing such a vital role. Never offered before at auction and coming from one of the world's most distinguished and private collections, it is a premiere specimen of this landmark reference to come to the market.
In 1981, reference 3450, successor of reference 3448 was introduced into the market with the improved 27'460 QB (Quantième Bissextile) calibre. The model differs from its predecessor by the modified leap year indication, the eccentric small window at 4 o'clock. The first series was made with a simple red disk and Arabic numerals, the second, such as the present watch, with Roman I, II, III and IV leap year indication.
A total of 244 examples of reference 3450 were made, the majority in yellow gold cases, only two in white gold are known to date.
Production of both references 3448 and 3450 was discontinued in 1985 when reference 3940 was launched.
Reference 3450 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 290, pl. 449a.
