Baron - Mr Red shares his profound appreciation for the Patek Philippe Ref. 3448J, detailing the aesthetic and historical significance that made it a key target for his collection. His insights into its design, dial purity, and historical importance as Patek Philippe's first automatic perpetual calendar offer a compelling perspective for collectors.
Collections take all sorts of twists and turns. About two years ago, I decided to focus more attention on my collection of Patek Philippe. One watch that I identified as a key target for my collection was the Reference 3448. There are a number of reasons why.
First, the aesthetics of the 3448 are, to my eye, simply stunning. Nicknamed "Disco Volante" thanks to its almost futuristic design, the case and plexi have a multi-layered approach that makes the watch stand out as both unusual and aesthetically fascinating. Today's modern versions are still utilising the same design. A number of Calatravas that I love also have a similar lug design that I find very appealing. Almost Bauhaus in approach - the lugs add to that futuristic feel. The case is just perfect to my eye.
Second, the dial. To my mind, the dial on this watch is close to my concept of perfection. I don't like watches that are too fussy. Sometimes a dial is so complicated that it becomes too busy. Simplicity and purity go a long way towards hitting the notes for my taste. The 3448 is a perpetual calendar. To find a perpetual calendar that does not have a "busy" dial is not easy. But this dial is just exquisite to my eye. There is a simplicity and purity to this dial which I need.
Third, I have just one other perpetual calendar which was a gift from my wife. It is a JLC that I treasure. Typically, the complication is not one that I chase. However, the moonphase is one that has a certain romance to it. Having this complication and variation in my collection was an aim. The blue of the moonphase just pops out on the dial.
Fourthly, at 37.5mm, the size is essentially perfect for me. Subtle features such as the depth of the case, the manner in which the crown is sunk into the case and the two gold markers placed at 5 and 7, the double hall-marking on the underside of the lugs.....all features that drew me to the watch. I also love the fact that the watch is important in Patek Philippe history, being the first ever automatic perpetual calendar produced. It is certainly not critical to me that a watch has an important history for the manufacturer, but it is a cherry on the icing on the cake.
But, truthfully, what drew me to this watch most is its aesthetics on the wrist. The dial layout combined with the case design is, in my view, one of the best that Patek Philippe have ever made. Yes, I appreciate I am making a bold statement there, but if you asked me to name my favourite three Patek Philippe watches, then this would be at the top of my list. Above the vintage chronos. Above the historic world times. Above the super-complications. And I place it at my personal top because it has achieved something that is unusual. In the same way that the Rolex Submariner style has transcended time....in the same way that the Porsche 911 has maintained an iconic status through decade after decade, the 3448 has achieved something similar. This watch was first produced almost 60 years ago. 60 years!!! It just hasn't aged. Its style is as refreshing and usable today as ever. When one looks at some of the most valuable and prestigious vintage Patek Philippe watches, there is an undeniable vintage/antique look and feel to them. Whilst that, in itself, is a nice feature, to find a watch that is 60 years old but still looks like it is modern...well.......yes.
I first tried to buy this watch in May 2015. My offer was not accepted. In October 2015, I had some luck and the watch was offered to me again. I took it. I sent it to Geneva for service and, as you can see from the date ring, it arrived back yesterday. The dial is flawless. The case and lugs are very sharp. This one was originally sold in 1973. It has been a long hunt for this, but its now in my collection where it will stay.
I appreciate that my perspective and views on the 3448 are purely subjective and without doubt there will be some who disagree. Yet, watch collecting is all about personal subjectivity....after all, if we cannot be subjective about our own taste, what can we be subjective about. I did not think I would catch a watch that I loved more than the 5070P.
I have.
This message has been edited by Baron on 2016-05-20 10:10:00
About the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 3448
The Patek Philippe Reference 3448 is notable as the brand's first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. Introduced in 1962, it marked a significant technical advancement for Patek Philippe, combining the convenience of an automatic movement with the intricate perpetual calendar complication. This reference established a new standard for complicated wristwatches and laid the groundwork for subsequent automatic perpetual calendar models. It was produced for over two decades, demonstrating its enduring appeal and technical success.
The watch features an 18k yellow gold case with a diameter of 37.5 mm, housing the automatic caliber 27-460 Q. This movement provides a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The dial is champagne in color, protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch offers a water resistance of 30 meters. The bezel is polished, complementing the overall classic design of the timepiece.
Reference 3448 is highly regarded by collectors for its historical significance as Patek Philippe's inaugural automatic perpetual calendar. It appeals to those who appreciate the blend of traditional watchmaking with technical innovation. The model was primarily produced in yellow gold, with very few examples in white gold, rose gold, or platinum, making those variants particularly rare. Its production run concluded in 1985, solidifying its place as a key reference in the history of complicated Patek Philippe wristwatches.
Specifications
Caliber
27-460 Q
Case
18k Yellow Gold
Diameter
37.5 mm
Dial
Champagne
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5070
The Patek Philippe reference 5070, part of the Complications collection, marked a significant return for the brand to large-format chronographs. Introduced in 1998, it was the first non-perpetual calendar chronograph produced by Patek Philippe since the reference 1463, which ceased production in the early 1960s. Its design drew inspiration from a unique Patek Philippe aviator's watch from the 1940s, characterized by its prominent case and dial layout, yet reinterpreted for a contemporary audience. This reference established a new aesthetic direction for the brand's chronographs, moving towards more substantial case dimensions.
The watch features a 42mm case, initially offered in 18k yellow gold, housing the manual-winding Caliber CH 27-70. This movement, based on a Nouvelle Lémania ébauche, was extensively finished and modified by Patek Philippe, meeting the brand's stringent quality standards. It provides a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. The dial, in this specific configuration, is black, protected by a sapphire crystal, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. The fixed bezel frames the dial, and the watch is typically fitted with a leather strap.
Reference 5070 appeals to collectors interested in modern Patek Philippe chronographs that combine traditional movement architecture with a more contemporary case size. Its limited production run and the subsequent introduction of variants in other precious metals contribute to its collectibility. The reference represents a distinct period in Patek Philippe's chronograph history, bridging vintage inspirations with a new era of larger watch designs.
Specifications
Caliber
Cal.CH 27-70
Case
18k yellow gold
Diameter
42mm
Dial
black
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire
Key Points from the Discussion
The Patek Philippe 3448 has long been a dream watch for many collectors, influencing their appreciation for similar dial designs and the perfect 37mm size found in other Patek Philippe references.
The 3448's refined dial, tasteful color, and fonts are highly praised, along with its historical significance as Patek Philippe's first automatic perpetual calendar, making it a pivotal reference in the brand's history.
While Patek Philippe claims to have developed the first perpetual calendar, the 3448 is specifically recognized as their first automatic perpetual calendar, distinct from earlier manual-wind versions or AP's mid-1950s leap year indication.
The 3448's case depth and multi-layered design, featuring eight graduated levels, contribute to its unique wrist presence, a characteristic also appreciated in watches like the Rolex Sea-Dweller.
A collector expresses the 3448 as a 'grail' watch and inquires about its daily wearability and how to set the correct year without a visible leap year indicator.
The 3448 is considered a highly desirable Patek Philippe, potentially an 'exit watch' for some collectors, and its recent servicing and wearability are noted.
The author recounts a frustrating experience where his newly acquired 3448, a white gold sigma dial model, stopped working shortly after returning from service, highlighting the challenges of vintage watch ownership.
The 'on-the-wrist' experience is crucial, as a watch that appears appealing in photos or descriptions might not resonate when worn, emphasizing the importance of personal trial.
A query is raised about the 3448's leap year indicator, noting that some versions have a small circle near 4 o'clock for this function, while others, like the author's, do not, suggesting it might be integrated into the movement.
The acquisition of a long-desired watch like the 3448, especially one that is an absolute favorite, is celebrated as a significant achievement for a Patek Philippe collector.
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The Discussion
WA
watch-guy.com
May 20, 2016
Oh I agree......
This is a sublime watch Elegant , design at it best Simple but not plain Only problem is now I want one Congrats on a superb piece of patek history and design Julian
BA
Baron - Mr Red
May 20, 2016
and it makes it doubly nice that I shared it with you on the day I received it.....
Julian, I really enjoyed meeting up and thanks for your kind words.
CO
COUNT DE MONET
May 20, 2016
The primus inter pares!
Joe, with this watch you have impressed me a lot! I am on fire anytime I see pictures of it and always overwhelmed by it. There are a few very, very desirable Pateks and this one is really high ranking amongst the few. To me it might be well an exit watch, but we all know there is nothing as such . Great to see that you have serviced it and I take you are wearing it also? Enjoy, my friend. Moritz
BA
Baron - Mr Red
May 20, 2016
Moritz.....
.....many thanks..... it is on my wrist right now. I am delighted with it.
RG
RG1
May 20, 2016
Congratulation Joe
Superb Patek you have. I think you are one of the king of vintage Patek collectors Have a great weekend;-) Ronald
BA
Baron - Mr Red
May 20, 2016
King? Definitely not.......maybe a small sparrow that occasionally sits on the window of the King's Court [nt]
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