In Original Condition and Extremely Rare, “Padellone”, Perpetual Calendar Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow-gold, Reference 3448, Retailed by Asprey, Only 2 Known Pieces, Former Property of Mr. Naim Attallah, CEO of Asprey, With Extract fr
Model: Padellone
Reference: 3448
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1973
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 27-460Q
Case N°: 330571
Movement N°: 1119299
Dimensions: 37.5 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives and Box
When thinking about Patek Philippe’s most precious and sought after vintage complications, three are the model that immediately comes to mind: the historically important 1518, the first perpetual calendar, moon phase chronograph: the 2499, the successor of the 1518 and one of the most beloved super complicated of the firm: and last but not least, the reference 3448, the first automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch made by Patek and by any other brand. No other brand can be so closely associated to perpetual calendar wristwatches than Patek Philippe since they offered this complication in various wristwatch from 1941 with the 1526. Introduced into the market in 1962, according o scholarship, a total of 586 examples were made. This model looks so futuristic but yet clean and timeless: also nicknamed “Disco Volante” or “Padellone” by collectors, this model is the perfect embodiment of a transitional period in the evolution of watchmaking design, with its huge, for that time, 37.5 mm case it is pure genius. This watch perfectly epitomizes the much clearer and more elegant look of the ’70s who compared to the flamboyant cases and multi-tone sector dials of the previous years. A noteworthy fact is its uncommon dial version for the date of manufacture. As standard, reference 3448 can be found with four kinds of dial over the period of its production: with enameled small baton minute divisions (1962 to 1965), with beady minute divisions and small date ring (1965 to 1972), with beady minute divisions and large date ring or small baton minute divisions but large date ring (1971 to 1978) like the here offered specimen, with printed (not enameled) small baton minute divisions after 1978. The present yellow-gold “Padellone” impresses with its amazing condition with strong angles to the lugs and stepped bezel. The circular carrure with flat satin-finished band and generous sloped blank bezel looks decades away from the construction of previous models. The dial is clean to the extreme and very appealing with applied yellow-gold baton indexes, English calendar and the deep blue moon phase that gives a gorgeous touch of color to the whole watch. This watch is, furthermore, important by the presence of the rare and special Asprey signature at six o’clock. This company was founded in 1781 by William Asprey, and was originally based in the suburbs of London until the company moved into its current New Bond Street shop. From its central London location, Asprey immediately improved its sale and advertised ’articles of exclusive design and high quality’ to the point of signing some of the most important watches such as Patek Philippe, Rolex and Audemars Piguet. Moreover this watch was part of the distinguished Mr. Naim Attallah collection for many years, the Former of Asprey at that time. In the early 1970s, he fell in with John Asprey, heir to the luxury goods group, and under his patronage became joint managing director and eventually group chief executive, expanding the company greatly. Since only 2 in the world are known is therefore by no surprise that it is one of the most coveted collector’s wristwatches and considered one of Patek Philippe’s ultimate complications.
