• cal. 27-460Q automatic nickel lever movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 37 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, 18k gold signed rotor • silvered dial, applied faceted gold baton indexes, gold dauphine hands, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dial indicating date combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases, outer pearled minutes track • large 18k yellow gold case with sloped bezel, angular downturned lugs, inscription to the snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle as well as an 18k yellow gold associated purpose-built bracelet

The Extract states that the watch originated on a leather strap. The movement is running, however we would recommend serice soon. It appears clean and without any major marks at all. The dial shows very minor spots to the bottom, however overall it is in very clean condition. The case shows wear with some light surface scuffs, particularly to the bezel and tops of the lugs. The case appears to have been lightly polished or has lost some of it sharpness due to wear. There are some marks between the lugs and to the backs of the lugs from the bracelet. The gold stamp to the back of the lower left lug is sharp and nice. The engraving to the back of the watch reads, 'C.R. Helms 5-22-70'. This is the same name that appears on some of the receipts. Overall this is a wonderful watch in very nice condition and especially rare to find with all of its accompaniments.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a Certificate of Origin dated June 1971 as well as an Extract from the Archives confirming production in♛ 1971 and sale on May 12th of that year. Together with the original receipt from Gübelin listing the sale of the watch as well as the accom♏panying purpose-built bracelet. Further accompanied by an August 1970 Patek Philippe price listing, Patek Philippe presentation box, original shipping box from Gübelin, and service paperwork from 1997.

For a note o❀n Ref. 3448 and an example from the final 🏅series, see lot 195.

The present example belongs to the second series, which was produced approximately between 1968 and 1976. It varied from the first series in 🍎its replacement of the painted minute track with a pearled minute track.