dear all,

How is this Patek 3445? does the case look to be overpolished?
what do you think market value?

thanks

 

Nice watch. Is that a Jaeger crown?

 

No, it's a (strange looking) Patek (PP) crown found in early 3445s.
http://www.watchgallery.com.au/Watc...445-18ct-YG-37-jewel-automatic-with-date.aspx
Going through a Google image search, most 3445s seem to have the (later?) Calatrava crown.

Also, here is a link that might be helpful for further 3445 identification/comparison:
http://patek.watchprosite.com/show-...-3445-advice-needed-now-with-photos-of-watch/

 

Classic watch. Has certainly seen some polishing, but I wouldn't say "over-polished".

I do think that it may be a replacement crown, as I am used to seeing the later style on the 3445 model. Perhaps these were used on early ones, though.

I don't follow the market closely, but given the polishing and crown question, probably $8-10k.

 

IMHO the crown with the sysmetric "P" is an interesting feature that adds interest and value - it is much less common than the calatrava cross on the crown usually seen on the 3445 - but only if the extract of the archives confirms that this 3445 was produced in the early 60s.

However, the negative point is indeed the polishing of the case. Its sides should have a satin brushed finish.

 

This crown first appeared on the 2526 (first automatic watch by Patek in 1953 - cal.12-600AT).
You can see it only on the 3445's first years of production.



here on a 1958's 2551

 

A bit strange to see this kind of crown on a 1964/65's 3445, imho this crown was probably replaced at one moment, maybe to valuate the watch.

The angular lugs are one of the "must be checked" point for original condition.
btw, you're right about the brushed sides on the case, vertically on the lugs.

 

My friend just purchased unpolished one for 10000 $ . I think it should be around 9000-12000 $ IMO

 

i just happen to be wearing my 3445 today. Here's my crown:



I'm only familiar with the white gold reference. I've seen it for $15k-25k (even seen a dealer sell it for 34k but not sure what it actually sold for).

 

General question, if you had a watch like this, where the original finish was removed, would you have it refinished to match how it looked originally?

 

I'm only a Staff Sgt so I can answer a General question.

 

That's the first time I have ever seen a NATO on a PP (Never been a fan of nato,s on dress watches)

 

ha was wondering if anyone would notice. it's my way to keep it fun. been looking for proper (yet fun) leather strap for it.