237 Patek Philippe Extremely Rare and Very Well Preserved, “Padellone”, Perpetual Calendar Automatic Wristwatch, in White-Gold, With Extract From the Archives and Box, Reference 3448

Estimate: €400,000 –⁠ 800,000

Model: Padellone
Reference: 3448
Case Material: White Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1974
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 27-460Q
Case N°: 331526
Movement N°: 1119348
Dimensions: 37.5 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Box, Extract from the Archives and Additional Later Mesh White Gold Bracelet

When thinking about Patek Philippe’s most precious and sought after vintage complications, three are the model that immediately comes to mind: the historically important 1518, the first perpetual calendar, moon phase chronograph: the 2499, the successor of the 1518 and one of the most beloved supers complicated of the firm: and last but not least, the reference 3448, the first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch made by Patek and by any other maison. No other brand can be so closely associated to perpetual calendar wristwatches than Patek Philippe since they offered this complication in various wristwatches from 1941 with the 1526. Introduced into the market in 1962, according to scholarship, a total of 586 examples were made, the majority in yellow-gold while only fewer than 80 examples are known in white gold such as the lot here offered. This very model looks so futuristic but yet clean and timeless: also nicknamed “Disco Volante” or “Padellone” by collectors, this specimen is the perfect embodiment of a transitional period in the evolution of watchmaking design, with its huge, for that time, 37.5 mm case it is pure genius. This watch perfectly epitomizes the much clearer and more elegant look of the ’70s who compared it to the flamboyant cases and multi-tone sector dials of the previous years. A noteworthy fact is its uncommon dial version for the date of manufacture. As standard, reference 3448 can be found with four kinds of dial over the period of its production: with enameled small baton minute divisions (1962 to 1965), with beady minute divisions and small date ring (1965 to 1972), with beady minute divisions and large date ring or small baton minute divisions but large date ring (1971 to 1978) like the here offered specimen, with printed (not enameled) small baton minute divisions after 1978. The present white-gold “Padellone” impresses with its remarkable condition with strong angles to the lugs and stepped bezel. The circular carrure with flat satin-finished band and generous sloped blank bezel looks decades away from the construction of previous models. The dial is clean to the extreme and very appealing with applied white-gold baton indexes, English calendar and the deep blue moon phase that gives a gorgeous touch of color to the whole watch. It is therefore by no surprise that it is one of the most coveted collector’s wristwatches and considered one of Patek Philippe’s ultimate complications.