47 Patek Philippe Very Fine and Rare, Calatrava, Automatic Wristwatch in White Gold, Retailed by Serpico y Laino, With Extract From the Archives, Reference 3445

Estimate: €20,000 –⁠ 40,000

Model: Calatrava
Reference: 3445
Case Material: White Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1964
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 27–460
Case N°: 317 426
Movement N°: 1 122 462
Dimensions: 35 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives, Box and Additional Strap

Produced in the three gold colors and in platinum, reference 3445 is the first Patek Philippe automatic timepiece to feature the simple date complication and is an exemplar of understated simplicity yet at the same time is a highly sophisticated automatic timepiece. In common with all great design, it has transcended fashion to become one of the most enduring classics. Known by collectors as the “monodate”, reference 3445 was the first Patek Philippe calendar watch to be made in the series, it was in production for 20 years between 1961 and 1981. The case design of the model evolved over time, with three series recognized. The first series, such as the present piece, was made until the late 1970s and features an acrylic crystal and a lower bezel, and was produced by Antoine Gerlach, one of the greatest Geneva casemakers. Gerlach was also responsible for the second series of cases, featuring a higher bezel due to the introduction of the sapphire crystal. Finally, the last series (few pieces made in 1980) was manufactured in-house by Ateliers Réunis, Patek Philippe’s own case making firm, and features a spare glazed display back. The in-house automatic movement caliber 27–460 takes its name from its measurements: 27 mm in diameter and 4.6 mm thick. Caliber 27–460 was the most elaborate and costly simple automatic watch movement ever produced by Patek Philippe. Cased in white gold, the present watch is an impressively original and wonderfully preserved example of reference 3445. Adding a further level of attraction is the signature on the dial of the Venezuelan retailer Serpico y Laino, located exactly inside the constant seconds subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock. Further confirmation that this specific watch has been sold by Serpico is the engraving on the case back with the initials S&L which, of course, stand for Serpico & Laino, still very clear and visible such as the hallmark under the lug.