249 Patek Philippe Extremely Rare and Very Well Preserved, “padellone” Perpetual Calendar, Automatic Wristwatch in White-gold, Reference 3448, With White-gold Detachable Patek Philippe Bracelet, Property of the John Goldberger Collection.

Estimate: €350,000 –⁠ 700,000

Model: Padellone
Reference: 3448
Case Material: White Gold
Bracelet Material: White Gold
Year: 1981
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 27-460 Q
Case N°: 332 634
Movement N°: 1 119 576
Dimensions: 37.5 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
Accessories: Box and Extract from the Archives

“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 super 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 brand. No other brand can be so closely associated to perpetual calendar wristwatches than Patek Philippe since they offered this complication in various wristwatch from 1941 with the 1526. Introduced into the market in 1962, according o scholarship, a total of 586 examples were made, the majority in yellow-gold cases 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 model 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 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 (1971 to 1978)—with printed (not enameled) small baton minute divisions after 1978, like the here offered specimen. The present white-gold ‘Padellone’ impresses with its amazing 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. Equipped with a wonderfully manufactured tile-style white-gold bracelet, this 3448 has an incredible presence on someone wrist for its charisma and elegance. 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 tho the whole watch. This very watch is, furthermore, important since it represents one of the few ‘transitional’ examples since the usual Plexiglas has been substituted with a sapphire one and the dial presents the ‘sigma’ configuration on the sides of the Swiss. Despite the fact that a 3448 in white gold is already an incredibly rare object, this watch was part of the distinguished John Goldberger collection for many years, where it was treated with utmost care and respect. 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.”