Description

The model 3448 from Patek Philippe stands out as one of its most iconic perpetual calendar designs, primarily due to its distinct case crafted by Antoine Gerlach. Launched in 1962, it marked the introduction of the first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch, by any brand. Records suggest that just 586 units were produced, with the lion’s share in yellow gold. Only a handful were in white gold, and merely two are known to be in platinum.
In 1981 it was followed by the reference 3450 which bears a small difference; the leap year indicator.

We are proud to present a very rare vintage piece: the Patek Philippe Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar reference 3448J, also known as “Padellone” in the Italian collector circles, this is the very first self-winding Perpetual Calendar produced by Patek Philippe making this is a valuable timepiece for collectors.

Fashioned in 18k yellow gold like the overwhelming majority of the production, the iconic case with its spectacular angles was manufactured by master case maker Antoine Gerlach, who started working for Patek Philippe in 1932 on the reference 96. The classic and symmetrical dial is decorated with applied baton indexes and displays the perpetual calendar and moon phases functionalities.

The watch comes with a stunning and rarely seen integrated chain bracelet. This bracelet as well as a new dial were fitted during the watch’s last service, which explains the freshness of the watch even today.

As for the history, this watch was produced for a Venezualian civil engineer, Juan Francisco Otaola Pavan. The caseback signature reads his name “Dr. J. Otaola P”. Manufactured in 1963, initially sold in 1967 and following a service in 2000, the watch reappeared publicly in 2020 during a Geneva auction, courtesy of Dr. Pavan’s descendants.

Behind the solid caseback – engraved with the original owner’s name – lies the automatic Calibre 27-460Q (Q for “Quantième”), set with 37 jewels and bearing not one but two Geneva Seals.

This watch is available with the original Archives extract from Patek Philippe, as well as the service invoice.

Patek Philippe – Bio

Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.