Baron - Mr Red
14613
Patek Philippe Ref. 3448J
Collections take all sorts of twists and turns. About two years ago, I decided to focus more attention on my collection of Patek Philippe. One watch that I identified as a key target for my collection was the Reference 3448. There are a number of reasons why.
First, the aesthetics of the 3448 are, to my eye, simply stunning. Nicknamed "Disco Volante" thanks to its almost futuristic design, the case and plexi have a multi-layered approach that makes the watch stand out as both unusual and aesthetically fascinating. Today's modern versions are still utilising the same design. A number of Calatravas that I love also have a similar lug design that I find very appealing. Almost Bauhaus in approach - the lugs add to that futuristic feel. The case is just perfect to my eye.
Second, the dial. To my mind, the dial on this watch is close to my concept of perfection. I don't like watches that are too fussy. Sometimes a dial is so complicated that it becomes too busy. Simplicity and purity go a long way towards hitting the notes for my taste. The 3448 is a perpetual calendar. To find a perpetual calendar that does not have a "busy" dial is not easy. But this dial is just exquisite to my eye. There is a simplicity and purity to this dial which I need.
Third, I have just one other perpetual calendar which was a gift from my wife. It is a JLC that I treasure. Typically, the complication is not one that I chase. However, the moonphase is one that has a certain romance to it. Having this complication and variation in my collection was an aim. The blue of the moonphase just pops out on the dial.
Fourthly, at 37.5mm, the size is essentially perfect for me. Subtle features such as the depth of the case, the manner in which the crown is sunk into the case and the two gold markers placed at 5 and 7, the double hall-marking on the underside of the lugs.....all features that drew me to the watch. I also love the fact that the watch is important in Patek Philippe history, being the first ever automatic perpetual calendar produced. It is certainly not critical to me that a watch has an important history for the manufacturer, but it is a cherry on the icing on the cake.
But, truthfully, what drew me to this watch most is its aesthetics on the wrist. The dial layout combined with the case design is, in my view, one of the best that Patek Philippe have ever made. Yes, I appreciate I am making a bold statement there, but if you asked me to name my favourite three Patek Philippe watches, then this would be at the top of my list. Above the vintage chronos. Above the historic world times. Above the super-complications. And I place it at my personal top because it has achieved something that is unusual. In the same way that the Rolex Submariner style has transcended time....in the same way that the Porsche 911 has maintained an iconic status through decade after decade, the 3448 has achieved something similar. This watch was first produced almost 60 years ago. 60 years!!! It just hasn't aged. Its style is as refreshing and usable today as ever. When one looks at some of the most valuable and prestigious vintage Patek Philippe watches, there is an undeniable vintage/antique look and feel to them. Whilst that, in itself, is a nice feature, to find a watch that is 60 years old but still looks like it is modern...well.......yes.
I first tried to buy this watch in May 2015. My offer was not accepted. In October 2015, I had some luck and the watch was offered to me again. I took it. I sent it to Geneva for service and, as you can see from the date ring, it arrived back yesterday. The dial is flawless. The case and lugs are very sharp. This one was originally sold in 1973. It has been a long hunt for this, but its now in my collection where it will stay.
I appreciate that my perspective and views on the 3448 are purely subjective and without doubt there will be some who disagree. Yet, watch collecting is all about personal subjectivity....after all, if we cannot be subjective about our own taste, what can we be subjective about. I did not think I would catch a watch that I loved more than the 5070P.
I have.
This message has been edited by Baron on 2016-05-20 10:10:00
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Patek Philippe Ref. 3448J
Collections take all sorts of twists and turns. About two years ago, I decided to focus more attention on my collection of Patek Philippe. One watch that I identified as a key target for my collection was the Reference 3448. There are a number of reasons ...
Oh I agree......
This is a sublime watch Elegant , design at it best Simple but not plain Only problem is now I want one Congrats on a superb piece of patek history and design Julian
and it makes it doubly nice that I shared it with you on the day I received it.....
Julian, I really enjoyed meeting up and thanks for your kind words.
The primus inter pares!
Joe, with this watch you have impressed me a lot! I am on fire anytime I see pictures of it and always overwhelmed by it. There are a few very, very desirable Pateks and this one is really high ranking amongst the few. To me it might be well an exit watch...
Moritz.....
.....many thanks..... it is on my wrist right now. I am delighted with it.
Congratulation Joe
Superb Patek you have. I think you are one of the king of vintage Patek collectors Have a great weekend;-) Ronald
Congratulations!
I agree with much of what you said. If I were to make the same list of Pateks according to me, the 3448 would be up there. On the very top I don't know but I can truly understand your love for this reference. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and hope t...
Stunning and outstanding, huge congrats Joe !
3448 has been on top of my favorites list too but will probably remain a dream only. Actually my dream watch for quite long and this is probably the reason why I fell in love with my 5125 R (LE Wempe), since dial design is very similar as well the perfect...
Mike....thank you
I understand totally that feeling of sacrifice....sometimes its hard to let some things go into others. This has always been a reference I have liked....but only when seeing it in the flesh did i realise i needed one. The 3 dimensional effect is big with ...
Wow, Joe. Huge congratulations. I am very happy for you, my friend.
You have a superb collection of vintage Pateks, my friend. How will you top that? Best, Nicolas
for me...i am not sure i can.....
in terms of vintage Patek, I feel that I have the watches that I want.
i have one.....
.....white gold sigma dial...... awful story with it..... I bought in October last year....came back from service 2 weeks ago. I go into London to pick it up from PP....i put the watch on my wrist....fantastic. I go to lunch. Look at my watch...it has sto...
Dear friend
You have what dreams are made of on your wrist Truly perfect choice There are not many watches as beautiful and historically important as this one out there Sincerely proud and happy Yours D P.S. That moon shines so bright that I start chiming..When the m...
i am not sure i can cope with you chiming love songs.....nope, i need that image out of my head.
D, Thank you for the sentiments. Sometimes, we catch stuff that can put a smile on our faces. Other times, we just need to look inside our heads for the same effect.
....and sometimes we need something as purely beautiful and eternal as 3448...
to null images inside our head Once more kudos dear Joe you just scored my fav vintage PP
Superb. Iconic Patek Joe.
My admiration. No wonder its called disco volante. Its on the thick side. But just right in my opinion. Enjoy your toy joe. Best Geross.
Indeed....it does have depth....
.....when i look at my preferences in Rolex-World, I take the Sea-Dweller over the Submariner and a part of that reason is the manner the SD sits on the wrist. Being that bit deeper, it has a different presence. With the 3448, I am guessing that the movem...
Sincere congratulations !
One on my grail, maybe the one. I try to compensate with my modern 5396G and looking at getting a 5235G. Out of despair, I could try to assemble the case of the 5235G with the dial of the 5396G... Please let us know on how it wears daily, I always wondere...
Many thanks. On changing the date, I am slightly edgy!
So will probably take to PP to do. In the meantime will keep in a watch winder. When comes to a leap year, PP probably ad I suspect it takes a while.
A major acquisition.
I noticed you had a great appeal for the 3448. The dial, as you mentionned is something I like a lot in these early Patek PCs. It is refined, not only in the decoration but the very tasteful and light color, the fonts.... From an historical point of view,...
Thank you Mark
Yes, sometimes a watch evolves into us. The aspects that draw us emerge slowly over time and often we don\'t even realise what they are in the first instance. When I saw a 3448 in the flesh and then tried one on, it all came together for me. It comes toge...
I think you spotted a very important element
Our experience is made out of what we could read, see, handle, from discussions etc... However, how this influences our tastes is soemthing difficult to assess. Hence, knowing what to look for is not that obvious. I totally understand what you have felt w...
Indeed.....
.....and it can happen in reverse too. I remember looking at a watch on the forum. Reading about it. Doing research into it. .....Becoming convinced I had to have one. And then, when i put one on my wrist, I knew instantly that it was not for me. Yes, it ...
My 3448 says hello to yours
Mark, what can possibly be better for a Patek collector than to acquire, after much deliberation, the watch that above all others is your absolute favorite model? And from your detailed review, it is clear that your love of 3448 runs very, very deep as do...
Patekova....
....many thanks for your kind words and for posting a brother-watch. Regards, Joe
Simply stunning!
Congratulations! Timeless beauty. One of PP's best ever perpetual calendars in my book. Classic and yet evergreen and handsome even today. What a fantastic piece. Rishad
Leap Year indicator
Joe, firstly may I add my enormous congratulations on acquiring what to me is an absolutely stunning piece. I haven\'t participated on the forum for quite a while. But I had to add my congratulations and ask at the same time about the leap year indicator ...
Tony, glad to see you posting!
Hope you're doing fine. I'll let Joe answer your question Cheers, Mark
two different models.....3448 versus 3450
Thanks Tony....yes, many thanks. The 3450 was the next model that dealt with leap years with the indicator.
The 3450 does......
....but that was an upgraded model with the leap year indicator. The 3448 does not have that.... if i was given a choice......and i was......i would take the 3448 version as I prefer the cleaner dial albeit without the leap year complication.
thank you.....
.....to be honest, it took Patek about 10 minutes to set the moonphase and date correctly....so now that it is, i will keep it on a winder! The leap year phenomenon is one i will deal with every 4 years...so not really a problem. The 3450 was produced in ...
A late comment
But just wanted to express my enthusiastic congrats. Amazing Patek PC. This style has such class and elegance. Exudes wrist presence without hammering you over the head with sheer size. Almost a reverse-size wrist presence standard. It catches the eye in ...
a must own watch
Joe- you are well aware of what I think of this watch. It is for me a MUST own watch. One of the most beautiful ever made in my opinion. Just perfect in shape, symmetry and design. A true masterpiece. Congratulations my friend! Edmond
Absolutely love it
3448/3450 is my grail watch. Often think about flipping a few for it. I didn't realize however, the 3448 isn't a true perpetual? Only 3450?
is anything a "true" perpetual....
....i have a JLC that only requires adjustment every 100 years....is that not a perpetual? 3448 is what most people would call a perpetual calendar. Certainly, Patek call it a perpetual calendar. thanks for your comments.
thought you might enjoy this.....
I may be wrong, but the first perpetual calendar with leap year indication came from AP in the mid-1950s. Yet, perpetual calendars were first manufactured many decades before this point. Patek lay claim to having developed the very first perpetual calenda...