18ct white gold Patek Philippe ref. 3445 Calatrava automatic wristwatch, 1971

Dealer description — Somlo Antiques

Produced between the years of 1961 and 1981, the reference 3445 was Patek Philippe’s first automatic wristwatch with a date function made in series, also featuring a water resistant style screw down case back. The calibre 27-460M (“M” for Monodate) was an evolution of Patek Philippe’s first automatic calibre, the 12-600AT, which was fitted to the legendary reference 2526. The calibre 27-460M had received several upgrades, including a Gyromax balance wheel, a ball bearing, and some additional jewels. Over the ensuing years, three series were made with the first fitted with an acrylic crystal, similar to the present watch, the 2nd series made during the late 1970s featuring a higher bezel to accommodate a sapphire crystal, and the 3rd series featuring a sapphire display back. The model was also made with integrated bracelets, and offered with dials in silver, champagne, blue, and later with grey dial with white Roman numerals. Brand: Patek Philippe Made: 1971 Model: Calatrava Reference: 3445 Calibre: 27-460M Movement: Automatic Material: 18ct white gold Features/complications: Automatic movement Dial: Silvered dial with sunburst satin finish featuring applied mirror polished white gold bullet point outer minute track and hour indices with baton hands and date aperture at 3 o'clock with subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock Case dimensions: 35mm Bracelet/strap: Leather strap Accessories: Extract from the Archives SKU: 3291