patekova
1823
Inspired by Mike's and Baron's 3448 posts, here is one from the last of the series - sapphire crystal and Sigma Swiss Sigma dial, both of which are characteristics of its successor the 3450
I thought some of the Forum members might enjoy seeing one from 1978 just before the start of the 3450 first series, first manufactured in 1981. One might think since it has the sapphire crystal and Sigma Swiss Sigma dial, that the case would be the same, or at least very similar to 3450, but it is not. In 3450 the bezel is wider and unlike the 3448 goes to the edge of the case. The outer edge of the lower part of the lugs has a bevel. 3450 does not - it is straight down. The 3450 appears a bit larger (most auction reviews have if at 37.5 mm compared to 37mm for 3448; although the auction reports are not consistent). In the metal, the 3450 appears a tad larger in diameter; and a tad thicker at least compared to the sapphire 3448.
Many prefer prefer the 3448 to the 3450, citing the symmetry of the dial due to the absence of a leap year window. Also earlier 3448s (unlike the 3450) have a non-sapphire crystal and some have a dial with pearl dots minute track and hard raised enamel writing. Many prefer these qualities. There were 586 examples of 3448, but only 244 of 3450. Of course, many people prefer 3450 - chunkier, rarer, leap year window, etc.
Hope you enjoy the images.
Best, Patekova
Inspired by Mike's and Baron's 3448 posts, here is one from the last of the series - sapphire crystal and Sigma Swiss Sigma dial, both of which are characteristics of its successor the 3450
I thought some of the Forum members might enjoy seeing one from 1978 just before the start of the 3450 first series, first manufactured in 1981. One might think since it has the sapphire crystal and Sigma Swiss Sigma dial, that the case would be the same,...
Very class, Patekova. I am in the camp of the 3448, but that doesn't mean that the 3450 is far from lacking interest.
In an ideal world, getting both of these references is the way to go. Best, Nicolas
Absolutely top drawer....
But I guess you would expect me to say so. The purity of the dial on the 3448 is something that takes a lot of beating. I know that many differentiate between the various series within the 3448s. I have to say, I err towards viewing them all as quite equa...
condition is a big factor for me too....
......but genuinely on the 3448, I feel it is the essence of teh dial that captures my mind. I DO love the sigma touch.....my version is the series before yours and after Mike's. Genuinely, you could put all three in a black bag and i would be equally hap...
For me it is analogous 2499, a reference which I have never owned. All things equal, I prefer 3rd series to 4th which has Sigma dial
and sapphire crystal. They are pretty close in price, but 3rd series is more "vintage" to me.
Indeed, there are certainly advantages to ease of use. My comments were directly at aesthetics only.
But I would "struggle" through the more difficult ease of use to own such a great piece
I have quite the same opinion with the 1526 compared to the 3940 and 5140's thinness
I think that more people are used to seeing 3940 and 5140's models compared with pictures of the 1526. Hence, people tend to prefer the newer references because they are thinner, thus the true Patek QP. Knowing that he 1526 had more "normal" proportions, ...
I think you said it all...
I believe ALL of these are just amazing pieces and... ...each is having pros & cons : early version with pearl minute markers and hard raised enamel dial thus a bit older version (=therefore often Extract of the Archives only because 50 years...) or earli...
What's Not to Like?
I think that the 3448 may be my favorite of the Patek Perpetuals. I would love to have one as a daily wearer! Of course I would be afraid of getting it all scuffed -up, and it would lose value. Guess I will hold out for the new 5320g. Lot less expensive!
Yes, but there is a difference.....
Patek Philippe made fewer than 600 of the If I bought a 3448 and it got dinged-up on my wrist I would feel that I had violated an historic "trust" of some kind. I think the 5320 is going to be a very popular watch. Patek will probably make two or three t...
Don't they use laser
At Patek ? Is it used in certain metals only?The issue of scratches actually bothers me a lot,I can't wear long sleeves most of the year as I live in a hot country so I wear a short sleeve almost 9 months a year. My aquanaut has some scratches as I use mo...
Indeed.
I like my watches dent and scratch free as much as possible,But that shouldn't hold me from wearing them. Best, Ahmed
true....
....and no watch gives me greater pleasure to wear than the 3448.....and i do not deny myself that pleasure. having said that....when i am wearing it, i do have a heightened sense of awareness that I am wearing a 3448.
Beautiful, beautiful watch
I don't think Patek ever came up with a better design than the 3448. Such an understated , pure design belying the triumph of that wonderful complication. I kind of wish the 3448 had an exhibition back, and I am also glad that it does not!
Thanks gaquist for the compliment and for sharing your well reasoned and cogent perspective. I must admit to being a condition fanatic. Not just
In terms of what I buy, but how I treat it once I get it. Something I have found very helpful to preserve condition is to wear very thin, loosefitting soft cotton sweaters. I generally don't even get hairlines on the watches that way. I don't have to be q...
As usual with many Patek vintage watches, it is a pleasure
to learn about the different evolutions of series. This is something very interesting and I like learning about such old pieces, especially as it is not that easy to get this kind of information. I don't know much about the 3448 and learned quite a lot fr...