FOUND: A Complicated Patek Philippe The World Never Knew Existed

In the coming week of big sales from Antiquorum, Sothebys, and Christie's, this is perhaps this watch that has garnered the most attention. It is not the watch with the highest estimate - that title belongs to the platinum Patek 1579 we showed you here. The thing is, vintage watches are all about discovery, and new truths are being uncovered all the time.

For instance, it was commonly held that Patek Philippe's seminal perpetual calendar reference 3448 was primarily housed in yellow gold, with a few examples in white gold, and one or two in platinum. There was a rumor going around in Patek circles that two examples of the 3448 was made in rose gold, but it was dismissed as hearsay.

Until Christie's found this watch in the dark corners of a collector's safe.

What we have here is a Patek Philippe Reference 3448 self-winding perpetual calendar in red gold, the only example ever to be found in the world. On top of the rarity, this watch is in completely original condition and even comes with the original presentation box and certificate. Add to this is an original signature by Freccero, in itself a valuable trait on a watch such as this, and you have one very serious timepiece.

Pre-sale estimates are $553,905 - $1,107,809 (500,000CHF - 1,000,000CHF) and we have no doubt the bidding on what is undoubtedly the first and possibly the only Patek 3448 to be made in red gold will be fast and furious. For more details from Christie's, click here.

Did You Know? The Patek Philippe Ref 3448 was the world's first automatic perpetual calendar.