NEW YORK, NY.- An exceptionally rare Patek Philippe, designed by master watchmaker Louis Cottier and never-before-seen by the public, is being offered by Christie's as a centerpiece of The Important Watches auction during Luxury Week in New York in December.

The Patek Philippe Dual Time Reference 3452/1 (estimate $800,000 to $1.6 million) is one of only seven unique timepieces with this reference conceived by legendary watchmaker Cottier. This is the first example of the reference to appear on the market in two decades, and the last of the seven examples to be unveiled.

The 18K white and yellow gold watch is headed to market for the first time, 65 years after leaving the Patek Philippe workshops. Acquired in 1961, the piece has remained in the family of the original owner in superb overall condition, carefully cherished and kept safe for two generations.

The 3452 and 3452/1 stand apart among the most distinctive and bold designs of Patek Philippe's mid-century output, and this example showcases that well – the two-toned gold bracelet and gold plates on the hour track and across the “Patek Philippe” nameplate on the dial are completely unique and give the watch a vintage 1960s look that is very popular today.

“This is one of the most important Patek Philippe watches Christie's New York has offered in the past years, and an absolute once in a lifetime opportunity for collectors to see and potentially own a watch whose very existence was previously unknown to the collecting world,” said Remi Guillemin, Global Head of Watches at Christie's. “The watch ranks among the most intriguing discoveries in vintage complicated Patek Philippe wristwatches of the 21st Century and is arguably the most refined of the combined seven examples of Louis Cottier's reference 3452 and 3452/1. We are proud to offer this incredible watch to discerning collectors at The Important Watches Auction during Luxury Week in December in New York.”

Louis Cottier's “Forgotten Masterpieces”

The Patek Philippe Dual Time Reference 3452 and 3452/1—the latter featuring an integrated bracelet—are distinguished by a unique dial design, and their rarity means the watches can justifiably be described as Louis Cottier's forgotten masterpieces.

The first prototype is believed to have been made in 1954. From its inception, the model was conceived as an exceptional luxury wristwatch, distinguished by an aesthetic unlike anything else in the Maison's contemporary production.

Its imposing 39-millimeter case, waterproof construction with screw-down case back, automatic movement (in contrast to the manually wound movements of Patek Philippe's other dual time wristwatches of the period), and sumptuous gold bracelet underscore its extraordinary character. The movement was specially modified by Louis Cottier, the celebrated watchmaker known as the father of the world-time system. The bracelet, like that of the present watch, was almost certainly made by Jean-Pierre Ecoffey, one of Geneva's finest bracelet makers.

Two of the seven examples are believed to have been made in 1960, two in 1961 including this watch, and the remaining three by 1963. Each watch differs from the others in at least one aspect of its design and can therefore be considered unique. Two examples were reportedly commissioned for Middle Eastern royalty. Cottier's ingenious twin-dial design, powered by a single movement, made Patek Philippe the first manufacturer to produce a twin-dial complication without resorting to two separate movements. His modification of caliber 27-460 enabled the twin dials to be operated in tandem or set independently to indicate a second time zone by pushing down the button at 2 o'clock and turning the crown.

“This watch carries a mystique that makes it very desirable,” said Guillemin. “We believe its inclusion in December Luxury Week will create incredible excitement and energy, and we look forward to offering it.”

The watch will be on view during Christie's Luxury Week in Geneva and Hong Kong before returning to New York ahead of the December 4 auction.