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Patek Philippe Calatrava (Ref. 3445G) 18K WG, 1960s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Patek Philippe Calatrava (Ref. 3445G) 18K WG, 1960s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe (maker)
Date
1960s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 35 mm
Stock no.
PPC3445G-2
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (PPC3445G-2)
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-2), 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, angled lugs that both introduce an element of geometry to the design as well as increase the overall presence of the watch on while 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 faceted date window at 3 o'clock and the seconds at 6 o'clock. Though 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-2 Brand Patek Philippe Style Calatrava Model 3445G Serial 32XXXX Size Men's Material 18K White Gold Dial Silver "Aged" Millimeters 35 Strap 2pc Patek Philippe Black Alligator Strap W/ 18K WG Tang Buckle CASE & BRACELET The 18K white gold case is in very original and excellent condition with very crisp finishing present and honest signs of use throughout. The case retains its original Patek Philippe cross crown. The case back retains its original concentric brushing and displays gentle signs of use. The watch comes supplied on an early 2pc Patek Philippe black alligator leather strap that is lightly worn, and an original unsigned 18K white gold tang buckle. DIAL & HANDS The original silver sunburst dial features a stunning vintage aesthetic and is in excellent overall condition, boasting a charming warm patina throughout the dial with the only notable element of age being the markings present in the running seconds sub-register. The original white gold hands are in excellent condition with no notable oxidation present. 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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