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Patek Philippe ref. 3448 - a unique but strange example
In my thread dedicated to Patek Philippe's "Padellone" case, I've highlighted variants of the wonderful ref. 3448 in all four precious metals.
This example in white gold with unusual (and probably unique) black lacquered Breguet numerals is coming to the market next month as lot 166 in the "Exclusive Timepieces" auction of Monaco Legend Auctions (its previous appearance dates back to May 1995 as lot 186 in Christie's "Important Watches and Wristwatches" auction).
On the one hand I find it attractive, but on the other hand it leaves me skeptical because of the lumed syringe hands, which don't feel right for me. I also find a bit strange the black dots at 5 and 7 o'clock.
So, overall, I personally much prefer the regular variants with dauphine hands and markers.
What do you think?
Best, Emmanuel
Case: 37,5 mm. Automatic, cal. 27-460 Q. Year: 1973.
credit: monaco legend auctions & @johnbehalf (second photo)
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Patek Philippe ref. 3448 - a unique but strange example
In my thread dedicated to Patek Philippe's "Padellone" case , I've highlighted variants of the wonderful ref. 3448 in all four precious metals. This example in white gold with unusual (and probably unique) black lacquered Breguet numerals is coming to the...
Thanks Emmanuel for alerting us to this "unique" piece !
The original owner's choice in Brequet numerals, which do look attractive IMO, is an interesting one. Since there are luminous dot hour markers, the additional black ones for 5 and 7 o'clock to me are not necessary. Let's see what it goes for.
Do you think the hands are authentic?
They may be, but I find them odd here, personally. Best, Emmanuel
The syringe 💉
hands do seem quite thin ! No idea whether they are the original ones. Given that this is a unique piece, anything is possible !
Interesting choices 👌🏻👏🏻
Not sure I would have gone for them but it seems it comes from a time when more personalization was allowed 😊
I ask myself if the hands are authentic because they feel odd to me.
But it's maybe just me. What I'm sure of, at least, is that I really prefer the regular variants with dauphine hands and markers. Best, Emmanuel
Yes, great layout and your 5230 is a beauty !
And your syringe hands are so much better than those of this 3448 (they don't look genuine to me, but I might be wrong). Best, Emmanuel
Fully agreed Emmanuel 👍
This one is definitely a very rare bird (piece unique even) so of course quite interesting but just like you I prefer the classic layout with indexes and dauphine hands. Because a white gold version is totally out of reach I enjoy mine in yellow gold 2nd ...
I absolutely love your 3448!
Being a colored gold guy, I wouldn't want a white gold variant, personally. And, as far as I know, there's only one known rose gold example... For me, your watch is a true grail, which indeed deserves to be enjoyed with no limit! Best, Emmanuel
You are correct, one single piece known in rose gold
And don’t worry I enjoy my Wonder Watch tremendously (it is its nickname) specially due its well preserved condition 👌👌 and because 2nd series are the most beautiful ones imho
I don't remember the differences between the series, tbh.
But yours is a Wonder Watch, no doubt.
To my knowledge, here are the following dial variations for the 3448, divided into four series:
- First series: Enameled small baton or beady / pearl minute divisions ; hard raised enamel for all literature on the dial 1962-1966 - Second series: Beady or pearl minute divisions and small date ring ; hard raised enamel for all literature on the dial 1...
Mike, your 3448 is truly stunning. Enjoy.
Would you please share your opinion as to which generation is this dial? My guess is 1st or 2nd (and leaning more towards 1st) but would love to hear an opinion from experts like you on this reference. Thank you in advance. ...
It's definitely a very specific combination of details....
I get why the dots are there, for easier visual reference to the respective hours that aren't painted on the dial. But then, like you said, I'm not sure that all of these elements work particularly well together.... Thanks for the pictorial, I wouldn't ha...
Do the dots look slightly misplaced to you?
To me, they are not on the line between the center and the lumed marker. It could have been a design decision so the dots did not have to be too close to the edge.
For me, they’re rather useless and disgraceful
than misplaced. But it’s hard to judge from the photos… Best, Emmanuel
To me, that watch is absolutely stunning.
While i do prefer the dauphine hands, this sample certainly looks very interesting. If everything is genuine and installed originally by PP, my guess is that it's a piece unique that someone ordered like that. Back in those days it was not that difficult ...
I think the dial is an original one, custom made.
But the syringe hands look strange to me. They might be genuine, though, I absolutely don't know, but I don't respond to them. Cheers, Emmanuel