PATEK PHILIPPE. AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND VERY FINE PLATINUM AND DIAMOND-SET AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE

While it is often the case that even the most storied of manufacturers can produce a particular model in such sufficient quantities that they almost verge on the common, there will always remain absolute rarities within these ranges. References 3445, also known to collectors as the monodate, was introduced in 1961 and remained in production for approximately 20 years with a few thousand examples leaving the manufacture during this time. The vast majority of these were in yellow gold with silvered dial, but it was also available in pink gold and white gold, with champagne, blue and dark grey dials either with batons or Roman numeral hour marks, and also on an integral bracelet of various designs.

But by far the rarest variation were those produced in platinum with 10 believed known to market so far and the even more scarce subset with HB (Heures Brillantes) i.e. diamond dials. The example offered here is not only one of these exceptionally rare watches but is in a condition that is hard to be comprehended without closer inspection. While finding watches of this importance in unpolished condition with crisp hallmarks and sharp edges is challenging enough, to find it still bearing remains of the original protective lacquer that was applied to the case before it left the factory is truly wonderful. With its dial unmarked and showing a warmer tone to enhance the beauty of the three baguette and eight brilliant-cut diamonds, it really is an exceptionally handsome watch in a condition that collectors dream of.

Purchased by distinguished private collector at auction in New York in December 2013, it was then being presented as the property of the original owner meaning this would make the next lucky owner to be only the third custodian of this important watch. Potentially a once in a life time opportunity to acquire a watch of this rarity in such spectacularly original condition.