Of all the legendary watches from iconic watchmakers, few are as highly respected as the Patek Philippe Calatrava. A mainstay in their catalog since its introduction in 1932, it has gone on the become the foundation of their modern dress watch offering and remains one of the most revered models of all time. Of all the Calatrava references that Patek has made, one retains an almost legendary status with collectors still to this day, the ref. 3445.

Introduced in 1961, the ref. 3445 features the Patek cal. 27-460 movement, an upgrade to Patek’s inaugural self-winding movement, the cal. 12-600AT. Featuring Patek Philippe's famous Gyromax balance, an adjustable-weight balance wheel, a beautifully engraved 18kt gold winding rotor, and several other upgrades, the cal. 27-460 was at the apex of watchmaking technology at the time and remains one of Patek’s most iconic movements to this day.

Offered in four metals (yellow, white, and rose gold and platinum), the ref. 3445 is in fact rarely found in rose gold. Found in unpolished condition, the example I have here also features a stunning silver sunburst dial with case-matching rose gold dial furniture and the old school Patek Philippe crown which tightly hugs the side of the ref. 3445’s 35mm case.

Offered in exceptional condition, this model features a rather unusual-for-the-time screw-down case back. As was typical during the ’60s, dress watches like the ref. 3445 would have had a snap-on case back. With some modern creature comforts in its incredible movement, screw-down case back, handsome dimensions, and agelessly classic styling, the ref. 3445 is a wonderful reminder of what makes watchmakers like Patek Philippe, and their watches, so special.