1970s Patek Philippe White Gold Calatrava Date (Ref. 3445G)
- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History and Significance
The Patek Philippe reference 3445 occupies an important place in the brand's history as the first self-winding Calatrava fitted with a date complication. Introduced in the early 1960s, it represented a shift toward greater practicality while maintaining the restrained elegance that defined the Calatrava line. At a time when many dress watches remained manually wound, the 3445 offered the convenience of an automatic movement housed within a classically proportioned case.
Produced in relatively small numbers across yellow gold, white gold, and pink gold, the white gold examples have become particularly desirable among collectors. The monochromatic appearance of the metal pairs naturally with the clean dial architecture, creating a watch that feels understated even by Patek Philippe standards. The reference also features the angular faceted lugs that distinguish it from earlier Calatravas and give the watch a stronger architectural presence on the wrist.
Inside is Patek Philippe's caliber 27-460 automatic movement, one of the manufacture's most respected early automatic calibers. The movement helped establish Patek Philippe's reputation for high-grade self-winding watches and remains admired for both its reliability and finishing. More than sixty years after its introduction, the 3445 continues to represent a period when Patek Philippe was blending technical innovation with timeless design.
Writer’s Thoughts
From a distance, it appears simple, but the faceted lugs, stepped case construction, and subtle date aperture create a surprising amount of visual interest. The white gold examples are especially appealing because they fly under the radar while still offering everything that makes vintage Patek Philippe special.
Our Promise
Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Calatrava Date (Ref. 3445G)
Year: circa 1968
Case Material: White gold
Case Size: 35mm
Bezel: Smooth white gold bezel
Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied white gold baton markers, date display, and subsidiary seconds
Movement: Automatic
Strap/Bracelet: Leather strap
Buckle/Clasp: Generic buckle
Contents: Watch only
Case: White gold case shows honest wear consistent with age, including light surface marks and evidence of previous polishing, while retaining strong overall proportions.
Dial: Original silver dial with light age-related spotting and patina visible throughout. Printing remains crisp, and the dial retains an attractive vintage appearance.
Crystal: Acrylic crystal shows light signs of wear consistent with age.
Strap/Bracelet: New leather strap fitted to the watch.
Buckle/Clasp: Generic buckle in good condition.
1970s Patek Philippe White Gold Calatrava Date (Ref. 3445G)
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All our watches are carefully inspected to insure and guarantee the authenticity.
The Details
All our watches are scrutinized during inspection to make sure our descriptions are as accurate as possible.
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- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History and Significance
The Patek Philippe reference 3445 occupies an important place in the brand's history as the first self-winding Calatrava fitted with a date complication. Introduced in the early 1960s, it represented a shift toward greater practicality while maintaining the restrained elegance that defined the Calatrava line. At a time when many dress watches remained manually wound, the 3445 offered the convenience of an automatic movement housed within a classically proportioned case.
Produced in relatively small numbers across yellow gold, white gold, and pink gold, the white gold examples have become particularly desirable among collectors. The monochromatic appearance of the metal pairs naturally with the clean dial architecture, creating a watch that feels understated even by Patek Philippe standards. The reference also features the angular faceted lugs that distinguish it from earlier Calatravas and give the watch a stronger architectural presence on the wrist.
Inside is Patek Philippe's caliber 27-460 automatic movement, one of the manufacture's most respected early automatic calibers. The movement helped establish Patek Philippe's reputation for high-grade self-winding watches and remains admired for both its reliability and finishing. More than sixty years after its introduction, the 3445 continues to represent a period when Patek Philippe was blending technical innovation with timeless design.
Writer’s Thoughts
From a distance, it appears simple, but the faceted lugs, stepped case construction, and subtle date aperture create a surprising amount of visual interest. The white gold examples are especially appealing because they fly under the radar while still offering everything that makes vintage Patek Philippe special.
Our Promise
Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Calatrava Date (Ref. 3445G)
Year: circa 1968
Case Material: White gold
Case Size: 35mm
Bezel: Smooth white gold bezel
Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied white gold baton markers, date display, and subsidiary seconds
Movement: Automatic
Strap/Bracelet: Leather strap
Buckle/Clasp: Generic buckle
Contents: Watch only
Case: White gold case shows honest wear consistent with age, including light surface marks and evidence of previous polishing, while retaining strong overall proportions.
Dial: Original silver dial with light age-related spotting and patina visible throughout. Printing remains crisp, and the dial retains an attractive vintage appearance.
Crystal: Acrylic crystal shows light signs of wear consistent with age.
Strap/Bracelet: New leather strap fitted to the watch.
Buckle/Clasp: Generic buckle in good condition.