PATEK PHILIPPE. A RARE 18K GOLD AUTOMATIC PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES AND LEAP YEAR INDICATOR

This exceptional example of reference 3450 manufactured in 1985, is offered here at auction for the first time in almost a decade. A superb specimen of a third series reference 3450, the state of preservation of this watch cannot fail to impress, the crisp case has retained full proportions and sharp angles, a satin finish definition to the case band and lugs, immaculate dial and clear visible hallmark, features that are so desired and highly prized by collectors today. Furthermore, the case back of this 3450 features a 'tab' to easily open the caseback. This subtle and useful detail was added at the time of manufacture by Patek Philippe to only a handful of 3450s.

Reference 3450
Patek Philippe produced the reference 3450 from 1981 until 1985. It is believed they manufactured only 244 timepieces, with the majority manufactured in yellow gold and only two in white gold known to the market. The model 3450 replaced the reference 3448. Patek Philippe replaced the caliber 27-460 with the caliber 27-460 QB (Quantième Bissextile). The reference is enhanced by several handmade features including hand-applied indexes, hand-finished date apertures and beautiful enamel moon phase disc.

The 3450 was made in three series:

- 1st series: Arabic 1, 2 and 3, leap year in red

- 2nd series: Arabic numerals

- 3rd series: Roman numerals

Literature:
Reference 3450 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 290, pl. 449a.
Ref.3450 is illustrated in the ‘Blue Book 1’, 2018 edition by Eric Tortella, page 588-602 and in the 'Blue Book 5', 2021 edition by Eric Tortella, page 428-