Lot 127

Patek Philippe

Padellone

An important and well preserved, vintage Geneva wristwatch with perpetual calendar, moon phase and rare reversed date dial, sold on June 9, 1972 - with Patek Philippe extract from the archives

Sold

Reference 3448 was launched by Patek Philippe in 1962 and marks a milestone for the company – it is its first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. Italian collectors call the oversize 37.5 mm watch fondly the "Padellone" (large frying pan); the watch is admired for the clean, angular lines of the large case and its overall harmonious beauty. According to the records, 586 pieces were made with a majority in yellow gold, a few white gold examples and one in pink gold. Two watches were re-cased in platinum in the 1990s.
The example we are looking at here is in excellent condition with sharp lines and well-defined lugs, with a graceful dial in marvellous, original condition; the hard raised enamel print is still perfect. It is fitted with the series two dial configuration, which matches the manufacturing date. The unusual dial design with its date subdial adds to the allure of the piece - the bottom half date numerals are inverted to face toward the moon phase; as most examples have the numerals facing out, this is a rare feature and makes the watch particularly covetable. With its fabulous overall condition and the unconventional dial configuration, this timepiece is certainly a delightful trophy for any Patek Philippe aficionado. The reference was discontinued the reference in 1981, when Patek Philippe introduced reference 3450 with leap year indication. This timepiece comes from the original owner and is offered for the first time.