102 Patek Philippe Very Fine and Extremely Well Preserved, Calatrava, Automatic Wristwatch in White Gold, Iraq Coat of Arms Logo Dial, With Extract from the Archives, Reference 3445

Estimate: €10,000 –⁠ 20,000

Model: Calatrava
Reference: 3445
Case Material: White Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1980
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 27-460
Case N°: 332087
Movement N°: 1233011
Dimensions: 35 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Extract from the Archives

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 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 was manufactured in-house by Ateliers Réunis, Patek Philippe’s own case making firm, and features a spare glazed display back. 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 coat of arms of state emblem of Iraq. The symbol is composed by a golden-black eagle looking towards the viewer’s left: it represents the Eagle of Saladin bearing a shield of the Iraqi flag and holding a scroll below with the Arabic words Jumhuriyat Al-’Iraq or Republic of Iraq. The one depicted on the present watch is different from the first one Iraq had until a few years ago for the presence of three green stars in the vertical white band on the eagle’s shield, opposed to the two stars of the UAR. Right under the Patek Philippe signature is also present the “takbir”.