Patek Philippe

Guys - I need your help.  I've been looking for a nice, original, 3445 for some time now.  I have managed to locate one but need your advice in terms of whether you believe it to be genuine - a few nagging things about it which you might be able to clear up - see below:

1.  If you look at the face, there is no 'accent' on the second 'e' of Geneve - is this normal?
2.  In the movement itself, the movement is called 'M 27-460' - I've always seen these as '27-460M' i.e. the M is used at the end as a suffix - ideas?
3.  The movement serial number is NOT gold filled - simply engraved.  I've always seen it as gold filled.

This could be an earlier model to the ones I have seen, or it could be a 'Franken Watch' etc.  I am hoping you guys might be able to shed some light on my worries, as listed above.

Regards.

Hi,

I can't asnwer your precise questions but I can say that your watch looks good and is obviously not a fake or frankenwatch.

Really nice watch and calibre.

Cheers

Dje

Why dont you try to first submit both case number and movement number to Patek and try to obtain the necessary paper works, that piece of paper have many answers to your questions.

You have raised some interesting questions about the piece ..... never say never about vintage patek, anything is possible.

As for the picture you have illsutrated, i personally would hunt for a few other ref. 3445 before committing, i am sure there be other pieces of nicer & better condition. 

Happy hunting

 

But getting a extract could take some time....

Cheers

The M is stamped in front of the number because there is a (second) Geneva seal behind it. It means that it was originally meant to be a regular 27-460. That's why the serial number was changed. I found a picture of another reworked version (same ref.) with S/N 1121983. My guess is that it was done by PP.

3445 is a nice watch but this one is definitely overpolished.

but I thought all automatics of that period had the crown with the PP (and not calatrava cross like the manuals). I just did a quick google search and some had it and others not.
PP will not be able to provide a spare one.

Nice wtch btw,

Dirk

Hi,

only the early 3445 examples had the "PP crown" - I have seen many examples with the calatrava crown which is more common...

best 

Erich

This message has been edited by mac_omega on 2010-06-10 13:37:58

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IMO it is an authentic example and no "Franken watch".

But as already mentioned in this thread: it has been polished to much, the crisp edges on the lugs have mostly gone...

look for a better example - they are not so scarce.

best

erich