Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 3445G – 18k White Gold, Silver Dial with Extract from the Archives, 1964

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

An early white gold Calatrava with wonderfully sculptural lugs, a beautifully understated silver dial and one of Patek Philippe’s most celebrated automatic movements. There is something particularly appealing about the Patek Philippe reference 3445. Elegant, discreet and beautifully proportioned, it represents an era when sophisticated watchmaking was expressed through subtle design rather than complication. This lovely example from 1964 features a 35mm case in 18k white gold, with strong, sharply defined lugs and a wonderfully balanced and original profile. The screw-down caseback adds substance to the design, giving this otherwise refined dress watch a surprisingly confident presence on the wrist. The silver sunburst dial has developed a gentle warmth over time, complemented by slim applied white gold markers, elegant hands and delicate pearl-like minute dots. The framed date window at three and small seconds at six create a beautifully balanced layout. Inside beats the celebrated automatic calibre 27-460 M, featuring a solid 18k gold rotor and beautifully finished movement architecture. The watch is currently undergoing a full service by an experienced professional watchmaker, ensuring it is carefully prepared for its next chapter. An accompanying Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirms production in 1964 and its original sale on April 2nd of that year. We have always loved these early Calatravas. Understated at first glance, yet full of character and exceptional watchmaking once you look closer. Specifications: Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 3445G 35mm 18k white gold case, screw-down caseback Silver sunburst dial, applied white gold markers Date at 3 o’clock, small seconds at 6 Automatic calibre 27-460 M Production 1964, archive-confirmed Leather strap with 18k white gold Patek Philippe buckle Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives Fully serviced by an experienced professional watchmaker Historical Context Introduced in 1961, the Patek Philippe reference 3445 was the manufacture’s first serially produced automatic wristwatch with a date complication. Produced until 1981, it combined traditional Calatrava elegance with the technically sophisticated calibre 27-460 M and a practical screw-down caseback, establishing an important chapter in Patek Philippe’s automatic dress-watch history.