Is the 3445 the most undervalued Patek?

[Platypus]

The 27-460 movement is the only instance Patek Philippe successfully implemented bidirectional winding in an automatic movement. It’s the same base caliber as the 3450, which sells for $250-300k.

At 36mm, it’s only 1mm smaller than pricey modern Calatrava options such as the 5107 and 5127. It is also one of the few vintage Calatravas with both a date as well as a seconds complication.

Considering these can still be picked up for anywhere between $7-15k depending on the metal, I think the 3445 is an absolute steal.

Is it sacrilegious to wear Pateks on anything other than their factory options? I was thinking about upgrading my buckle to 16mm instead of the 14mm factory choice.

[ts3]

The 3445 doesn't seem to get a whole lotta love despite the beautiful movement and it is inexpensive.

When I contemplated getting one in the past, the dial layout w both small seconds and a date, the oddly shaped date frame (corners), and the shape of the lugs (kinked rather than straight) all held me back. In my eyes the 3445 looked "old watch" rather than timeless classic, unlike some of its contemporaries. So no, I don't think it is undervalued.

I'd keep the buckle though. IIRC my 3998P also has a 14mm buckle and I never felt a need for change.

[jfriedkin]

What other model of Patek can you purchase with Automatic winding, and date? Most of my vintage Auto w/out date are double the price of 3445. I have owned several. I do agree, not the most visually appealing.

[Platypus]

Thanks for the buckle advice. You’ve never felt it’s too small?

If you enjoy straight lugs + vintage automatic date in a 36mm size, there’s always the 3541.

Originally Posted by ts3

The 3445 doesn't seem to get a whole lotta love despite the beautiful movement and it is inexpensive.

When I contemplated getting one in the past, the dial layout w both small seconds and a date, the oddly shaped date frame (corners), and the shape of the lugs (kinked rather than straight) all held me back. In my eyes the 3445 looked "old watch" rather than timeless classic, unlike some of its contemporaries. So no, I don't think it is undervalued.

I'd keep the buckle though. IIRC my 3998P also has a 14mm buckle and I never felt a need for change.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by Platypus

Thanks for the buckle advice. You’ve never felt it’s too small?

If you enjoy straight lugs + vintage automatic date in a 36mm size, there’s always the 3541.

No, small watch w a small buckle is fine by me - 3998P is 34mm and I checked the buckle is indeed 14mm.

I am happy to go w/o date if I get a vintage Patek - my favorites include the 3466 and the manual 3483.

[KBM]

What, no pictures?!

[Platypus]

Photos attached.

Originally Posted by kauebm

What, no pictures?!

[KBM]

Originally Posted by Platypus

Photos attached.

Gorgeous piece.

[watch-guy.com]

I would def agree that all these auto PP from the 60's offer grace value. They are unloved but offer a spectacular piece of watch making for relatively little outlay-( at least compared to modern PP such as 5711 and all other natalia and aquanaut)

I love these pieces esp those with the spectacular auto movement ( 12-600)

That 3445 you posted is stunning and for some reason gets very little love- maybe its the date but even no date PP autos are still under valued ( and I am including the best one 2526)

Big congrats on your purchase

Julian

[Platypus]

I think the Calatrava lineup in general receives a lot less love than the sports lineup. Collaterally, the vintage models get hit with illiquidity, but the upside is there are plenty of opportunities lying around for true enthusiasts unswayed by fashions.

Originally Posted by watch-guy.com

I would def agree that all these auto PP from the 60's offer grace value. They are unloved but offer a spectacular piece of watch making for relatively little outlay-( at least compared to modern PP such as 5711 and all other natalia and aquanaut)

I love these pieces esp those with the spectacular auto movement ( 12-600)

That 3445 you posted is stunning and for some reason gets very little love- maybe its the date but even no date PP autos are still under valued ( and I am including the best one 2526)

Big congrats on your purchase

Julian

[Bearxj86]

I think the 3445 is a nice watch, but compared to the other Calatravas it is missing alot of the Calatrava DNA (sword hands, hobnail bezel, enamel dial or sculpted lugs). It really is a no-nonsense Patek.

Not for me personally - but that is just my opinion having looked at a lot of vintage references.

[vtwinrulez]

Might have to do something with the dial. The 3445 is one of the first not to feature the hard raised enamel signature.

[Platypus]

If it’s not enamel, is it painted? It might have something to do with the large production run.

Originally Posted by vtwinrulez

Might have to do something with the dial. The 3445 is one of the first not to feature the hard raised enamel signature.

[yessir69]

Very underrated watch. One of my ex-wives has one with the integrated gold bracelet. It used to belong to her dad.