Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stating production of the present watch with sapphire crystal back and original fitted presentation box. Furthermore delivered with the Extract from the Archives confirming its manufacture with silvered dial and raised yellow gold indexes in 1982 and subsequent sale on 2 November 1982.
The reference 3450 offered here for sale is one of the exceedingly rare examples of this celebrated model fitted with a sapphire glass snap on back as opposed to the plain back found in the standard version. In fact, only three references 3450 originally fitted with such a glazed back have appeared in public to date. Most probably made by special order of the original owner, its authenticity is confirmed by the Certificate of Origin.
Hardly worn and with very subtle signs of polishing only, it reveals the full potential in size and beauty this reference can offer, combining substantial lugs with sharp and clean lines and the crisp hallmark to the left side of the case.
Never been offered at auction before, the present watch impresses by its excellent, close to mint overall condition and the presence of the original certificate.
Reference 3450
In 1981, reference 3450, successor of reference 3448 (see lot 161 in this auction) was introduced into the market with the improved 27-460 QB (Quantième Bissextile) calibre. The model differs from its predecessor by the modified leap year indication, the eccentric small window at 4 o'clock. The first series was made with a simple red disk and Arabic numerals, the second, such as the present watch, with Roman I, II, III and IV leap year indication.
A total of 244 examples of reference 3450 were made, the majority in yellow gold cases, less than a handful in white gold are known to date.
Production of both references 3448 and 3450 was discontinued in 1985 when reference 3940 was launched.
Reference 3450 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 290, pl. 449a.
The reference 3450 offered here for sale is one of the exceedingly rare examples of this celebrated model fitted with a sapphire glass snap on back as opposed to the plain back found in the standard version. In fact, only three references 3450 originally fitted with such a glazed back have appeared in public to date. Most probably made by special order of the original owner, its authenticity is confirmed by the Certificate of Origin.
Hardly worn and with very subtle signs of polishing only, it reveals the full potential in size and beauty this reference can offer, combining substantial lugs with sharp and clean lines and the crisp hallmark to the left side of the case.
Never been offered at auction before, the present watch impresses by its excellent, close to mint overall condition and the presence of the original certificate.
Reference 3450
In 1981, reference 3450, successor of reference 3448 (see lot 161 in this auction) was introduced into the market with the improved 27-460 QB (Quantième Bissextile) calibre. The model differs from its predecessor by the modified leap year indication, the eccentric small window at 4 o'clock. The first series was made with a simple red disk and Arabic numerals, the second, such as the present watch, with Roman I, II, III and IV leap year indication.
A total of 244 examples of reference 3450 were made, the majority in yellow gold cases, less than a handful in white gold are known to date.
Production of both references 3448 and 3450 was discontinued in 1985 when reference 3940 was launched.
Reference 3450 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 290, pl. 449a.