Some watches are rare. Some watches are historically important. And then there are watches that redefine what collectors thought they knew about a reference. The Patek Philippe reference 3448 with “doré” dial we will offer this April in Monaco belongs firmly in that final category…
One of only three known examples fitted with a “doré” gilt dial, and the only one known to feature tritium luminescent hour markers and hands, it represents a configuration that is unique. For the seasoned collector, this is not merely an acquisition, it may well be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
When Patek Philippe unveiled reference 3448 in 1962, it quietly rewrote watchmaking history. The model, known as the Padellone due to its large size, became the world’s first serially produced self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch, an extraordinary technical achievement that married the brand’s celebrated automatic calibre 27-460 with a perpetual calendar mechanism.
Production of reference 3448 continued for nearly two decades, yet only 586 examples were ever made, a remarkably small number for such a milestone reference.
A Dial That Defies Convention
“Doré”, meaning “golden,” has a very special significance in the language of Patek Philippe. It describes a soft, champagne tone that draws towards outright gold, created through a translucent lacquer applied over a metallic base. The result is a dial with warmth and depth, shifting subtly in character as the light changes.
“Doré" dials were never part of regular production and appear only occasionally on exceptional references such as the perpetual calendar reference 1526 and certain executions of the reference 2499, often associated with special commissions for discerning collectors.
Produced and sold in 1971, this remarkable 3448 is accompanied by its Certificate of Origin by Patek Philippe confirming it was born with the special commissioned “Doré” dial. It is essential in todays realm of collecting important Patek Philippe wristwatches for a special commission to be identified and confirmed by the brand to be born in such specification. These details are most times identified on the extract from the archives, but when mentioned on they original papers of sale - it delivers an immensely greater value to the watch.
A Relic - Kept In It’s Original State
Equally compelling is the watch’s remarkable condition and charm.
This “Doré” Padellone is preserved to this day in absolutely untouched and never before restored condition. This incredibly fortunate occurrence adds even greater charm to the watch, together with its gently worn patina showing enjoyment over the years.
The case remains in exceptional condition bearing the original finishing of the gold all over, gently oxidized, together with its deep double hallmarks on the case back. In its full original proportions it sits dominantly on the wrist - as a Padellone should.
The Market Awakens to Doré
In recent years, collectors have grown to fully appreciate the importance of unusual dial configurations within the history of Patek Philippe, particularly drawn to the beauty and rarity of “Doré” dials.
At the end of 2025, an example of reference 3940 Perpetual Calendar with “Doré” dial achieved an impressive auction result in excess of USD 500,000. Just recently, this February 2026, another example of 3940 “Doré” dial retailed by Beyer, Zurich, fetched at auction an outstanding result in excess of USD 900,000.
This present 3448 “Doré” Padellone first appeared publicly at auction in 2004, where it achieved a remarkable USD 405,100 against a pre-sale estimate of just USD 80,000, an early signal of the market’s recognition of its exceptional nature and appeal. The watch has been sitting in one of the most prominent watch collections in the world ever since..
22 years later, now in a market where “Doré” is gold, how much can this unique configuration 3448 Padellone “Doré” with tritium indexes and hands, in never restored condition, bearing it original certificate of sale confirming its originality, fetch at auction - this April 25 & 26 in Monaco in our Exclusive Timepieces sale.
