271 Patek Philippe Extremely Rare and Very Well Preserved Padellone, Perpetual Calendar, Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Extract from the Archives, Released on June 22nd, 2023, Mentioning the Reference 3448, But Engraved on the Case Back 3450

Estimate: €150,000 –⁠ 300,000

Model: Padellone
Reference: 3448
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1969
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 27–460Q
Case N°: 2 808 548
Movement N°: 1 119 128
Dimensions: 37.5 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Extract from the Archives and Mr. Tortella and sons "deep-study" documentation

Introduced into the market in 1962, reference 3448 was the first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch produced in series by any manufacturer. It was innovative not only thanks to the technical achievements of the watch, but it was also elegantly presented in what was then a very oversized and slim case, made by Antoine Gerlach. The model replaced the earlier, manually wound references 1526 and 2497. The exquisite caliber 27–460 Q (“Q” for Quantiême) was built on Patek’s first automatic caliber 12–600 AT introduced in 1953. In 1981, Patek Philippe discontinued the 3448, introducing the reference 3450, with a leap year indication. Nicknamed the “Padellone” by Italian collectors, the reference is adored for its oversized, 37.5 mm diameter case with clean, angular lines and the symmetrical and balanced dial. According to leading scholars, a total of 586 examples were made, the majority in yellow-gold cases. Only around 130 were cased in white gold, 2 in platinum and 1 in pink gold are known to exist to date. Yet, a new one can be included in this count: a 3448 with a case back stamped 3450 and certified by Patek Philippe itself. Is this the case of the lot here offered, at the moment the only one known on the market with this incredibly unusual characteristic, making it absolutely a chimera in the world of collecting. Born as a 3448 but later cased by Patek in a 3450 case, probably under the special request of an important client, is it state in the extract that it is to all intents and purposes a 3448. This means that we are in the presence of what could be called a sort of prototype, since it has all the canonical characteristics of a 3448 but has the case marked 3450. The present watch has been stunningly preserved with sharp lines to the case, extremely well-defined lugs and also impresses with crisp gold hallmarks on the side of the case. The circular case with flat satin-finished band and generous sloped blank bezel looks decades away from the construction of previous models. The dial is amazing, and in very attractive original condition, with beady divisions, baton and square indexes and the deep blue moon phase that gives a gorgeous touch of color to the whole watch. This is actually the configuration of watches manufactured in 1969 (the date of production and sale of this specimen confirmed by the extract), a detail that confirms, once again, how the presence of a 3450 stamped case for a fully fledged 3448 watch is something unique. Combining rarity, timeless aesthetics, and highest quality watchmaking, the “Padellone” is one of Patek Philippe’s finest creations, and this well preserved example will certainly impress anyone who has the chance to strap it on their wrist. Ultimately, this watch remains the only 3448 encased by Patek Philippe inside a 3450 case, making it an exceptionally rare and fascinating object for any collector. We are grateful to Mr. Tortella and sons for the "deep-study" documentation.