• 自動上鏈機芯 27-460Q，印有日內瓦印記，37顆寶石，18k金雕刻（後期）擺陀 • 鍍銀錶盤，立體黃金條狀時標，視窗顯示月份及星期，3時至4時位置偏心視窗顯示閏年，小錶盤顯示日期連月相 • 圓形錶殼，階梯式錶圈，撳扣式藍寶石水晶背透蓋 • 錶盤及機芯印有品牌標誌 • 備百達翡麗18k黃金錶扣

* 拍品資料以英文圖錄為準。

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. The movement is working at the time of cataloguing and the functions are advancing. The dial is in good condition. The case has been polished and has light scuffs from wear. Under magnifying glass we can notice a few small dents. Overall in good condition.
"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."

Reference 3450 was the direct descendant of the highly successful reference 3448, the world's first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. The most obvious difference between the 3450 and 3448 is the addition of a leap year indicator to the dial. Other differences include the case back which, on the 3450, has slightly different proportions and a ‘tongue’ to allow removal of the case back. The 3450 was manufactured with a slightly raised bezel to allow for the incorporation of a sapphire crystal, a feature absent from all but the very last series of Ref. 3448 models.   

Patek Philippe introduced Ref. 3450 in 1981 and production of the model seems to have totalled just 244 pieces. The 3450 featured a new movement calibre, 27-460 QB (Quantieme Bissex꧟tile), which included the provision for leap year indication on the dial between 3 & 4 o’clock. The 3♓450 reference is considered rare and difficult to find as it was produced for a such a short period of time, between 1981 and 1985.

This example has a beautiful hand engraved rotor bearing the name of its original owner. Mesmerized by the beauty of the movement, he asked for a sur-mesure sapphire crystal display case back to be made in order to replace the watch’s original plain yellow gold case back. This dis𒀰play back allows the wearer to fully and uniquely appreciate the beauty and exceptional finishing of the Ref. 3450’s movement. The new case bꦚack is unstamped and, as only the movement number is available, an Extract from the Archives is not presently available.

Reference 3450 is ﷺillustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Maꦡrtin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 290, pl. 449a.