18ct white gold, reference 3445/6 Calatrava automatic wristwatch. Made 1971

Information

• Brand: Patek Philippe
• Year: 1971
• Model: Calatrava
• Reference: 3445/6
• Calibre: 27-460M
• Movement: Automatic
• Material: 18ct white gold
• Features/complications: Seconds Sub dial and Date.
• Dial: Silvered dial featuring applied mirror polished 18ct white gold outer minute track with applied diamond set hour indices and white gold pencil hands with subsidiary seconds and date
• Case dimensions: 35mm
• Bracelet/strap: Integrated 18ct white gold bracelet, length approximately 167mm
• Accessories: Extract from of the Archives
• SKU: 2825

Essay

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.