
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Patek Philippe Calatrava (Ref. 3445G) 18K WG, 1960s
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- 1960s
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 35 mm
- Stock no.
- PPC3445G
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (PPC3445G)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1960s Patek Philippe Calatrava (Ref. 3445G) 18K WG (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number PPC3445G), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1960s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 35 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Craft & Tailored
'You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.’ — Patek Philippe started this now ubiquitous marketing campaign in 1966 and never looked back, though they already had an outstanding legacy since the watchmaker was founded in the year 1839. Patek built its reputation on several foundational pillars: tradition, innovation, and excellence, all of which are paramount in every timepiece they make, both old and new. If it weren't for the Nautilus or Grand Complications series, Patek Philippe would undoubtedly be best known for the Calatrava. The Patek Philippe Calatrava is the truest representation of the classic dress watch, and was first introduced to the world in 1932 with the model reference 96. The sleek round cases of the Calatrava often feature extremely simple, yet perfectly executed designs with elegant dials that lack all unnecessary obstructions. A true "must-have" for any Patek collector or dress watch aficionado. While there are nearly countless options and iterations of Patek's classic dress watch line, we love the Calatrava ref. 3445G for its ageless style and perfect dimensions. The large-for-its-measurements 35mm case boasts long, slightly angles lugs that both introduce an element of geometry to the design as well as increase the overall presence of the watch on wrist, making the ref. 3445G suitable for any wrist size. The Patek Philippe ref. 3445G employs the in-house caliber 27-460M which utilizes an 18K yellow gold center oscillating rotor for the automatic winding system, while the dial features a date at 3 o'clock and the seconds at 6 o'clock. While the dial is simple, it is anything but boring or baren, with the sleek baton markers, faceted date window, and seamless sub-seconds dial serving a perfectly proportioned presentation throughout. Stock # PPC3445G Brand Patek Philippe Style Calatrava Model 3445G Serial 34XXXX Size Men's Material 18K White Gold Dial Silver Millimeters 35 Strap 2pc Patek Philippe Black Alligator Strap W/ 18K WG Tang Buckle CASE & BRACELET The 18K white gold case displays exceptional finishing and an original crispness throughout. There are some gentle, yet honest signs of use present, though the case is in overall excellent condition with the original dimensions present and no obvious signs of polishing. The case retains its original Patek Philippe cross crown. The case back retains its original concentric brushing with almost no wear present. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc Patek Philippe black alligator leather strap and an 18K white gold tang buckle. DIAL & HANDS The original silver sunburst dial is exceptionally well-preserved and in virtually flawless condition, showing no visible elements of age or damage. The original white gold hands display some gentle oxidation which is common, but is invisible to the naked eye. ACCESSORIES
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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