CHF 250'000 .-

The present Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar reference 3448, dating to 1971, is one of the most historically important and collectible wristwatches ever produced by the Geneva manufacture. Universally known among collectors as the “Padellone”—Italian for “large frying pan”—the reference owes its nickname to its remarkably modern 37 mm case, an unusually large size for its era. Introduced in 1962, the reference 3448 marked a major milestone in horological history as the world's first serially produced self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. Powered by the legendary calibre 27-460 Q, one of the finest automatic movements ever manufactured by Patek Philippe, it established the blueprint for virtually every automatic perpetual calendar that followed. The present watch belongs to the highly desirable Third Series, identifiable by its pearled minute track and larger date numerals, characteristics sought after by collectors. Produced in 1971, it is accompanied by an exceptional set comprising its original Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1971 and its sale by Gübelin on May 12th, 1971, the original Gübelin sales invoice, an additional 18k yellow gold Gübelin bracelet, and its presentation box. The silvered dial is beautifully preserved, showing only a few extremely light marks around the 1 and 2 o'clock indexes. The applied indexes display light, even tarnishing consistent with age, while the overall appearance remains remarkably attractive and original. The 18k yellow gold case has been lightly polished once in the past and retains excellent proportions together with two crisp hallmarks beneath the lugs. A light and even layer of oxidation throughout the case further suggests that it has not been polished for many years. The caseback is engraved with the monogram "C.R. Helms. 5.22.70.", while the undersides of the lugs display the expected marks from the period installation of the accompanying gold bracelet. The movement is in excellent working order, with all calendar functions operating correctly at the time of cataloguing. With fewer than 600 examples of the reference 3448 produced across all series, the Padellone has long been regarded as one of the cornerstones of any serious Patek Philippe collection. Combining its historically significant automatic perpetual calendar movement, desirable Third Series configuration, outstanding original accessories including the Gübelin invoice and bracelet, and honest, beautifully preserved condition, this represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the manufacture's most iconic and influential vintage references.

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