Patek Philippe

• cal. 27 SC Q manual winding nickel lever movement, 18 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism, and 5 positions • silvered matte dial, applied Cubist numerals, sweep seconds, fan-form sector for moon-phases combined with date, apertures indicating month and day • circular case, snap flat back, elongated slender lugs • case, dial and movement signed • with detachable 18k gold Patek Philippe bracelet, further stamped GF for Gay Freres

Reginald H. Fullerton, Jr.

The movement of this watch is running but will require overhaul. In fine original condition with slight discoloration to one movement bridge. The case is in extraordinary unworn condition and all hallmarks are crisp. The dial in beautiful original condition with slight scratches at 1 o'clock and between day and month apertures. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by the original Certificate of Origin and Patek Philippe sales receipt listing the purchase price in 1960 as $1000. Also accompanied by the Customs receipt, original product brochure for a standard Ref. 2497, embossed Patek Philippe envelope and Patek Philippe box. Further accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture in 1951 and subsequent sale on September 22nd, 1960. For a point of comparison, a Patek Philippe Travel Time Reference 2597 also retailed for $1000 in 1960.

The present lot was purchased by Pete Fullerton directly from Patek Philippe's Geneva boutique during a trip in September 1960 to Switzerland. Mr. Fullerton was traveling with his mother and had brought several of Henry Graves Jr.'s watches in to Patek Philippe for servicing. Possibly wanting to make an impression on Henry Graves Jr.'s. grandson, Patek Philippe presented him with the opportunity to purchase the present lot, a watch that was a rarity then as it is now. 

The movement number 888000 was the very first in the Ref. 2497 series and was assembled by Patek Philippe in late 1950 and completed in early 1951. The entire movement production for the caliber 27 SC Q (center seconds, quantieme perpetual) was numbered 888000 to 888178 (1951-1965) of which the present lot is the first of the approximately 179 examples produced. In addition to being distinguished as the first Ref. 2497 made, the presently offered watch is the exact watch that Patek Philippe presented at the Basel Fair in 1953 when they first announced the design of this new caliber and reference. The caliber 27 SC Q was used exclusively for the references 2497, 2438/1, and 2498.

The presently offered watch is stamped with the reference number 2497 which perfectly corresponds with the reference number indicated on the original Certificate of Origin as well as the Extract from the Archives. The fact that this watch was made in 1950/1951 and predates the watches stamped with the number 2498 further differentiates it from the others and confirms its status as the earliest known prototype example.

There are three known watches described as the Ref. 2498 (1951-1953) and these watches are all easily recognized by their distinctly shaped elongated and curved lugs which are in drastic contrast to the more substantial geometric ridged lugs of a typical Ref. 2497. The fact that the presently offered Ref. 2497 features lugs from this prototype series suggests that Patek Philippe intended this design to be the future look of the reference. However, the design was quickly abandoned in favor of the more substantial lugs of the typical Ref. 2497 in 1953 and this early prototype became a design anomaly and taken off the market and not made available for sale to the public. This prototype case design features the same flat back as seen on all first series Ref. 2497s.

Made by Stern Frères, the dial of this watch features bold and graphic Cubist numerals that further distinguish it from the more typical Arabic numerals seen on most 2497s. The masculine modernist look of this dial further enhances the watch's rarity and overall aesthetic.

It was only when Pete Fullerton visited the Patek Philippe salon that the watch was made available from the depths of the vault and presented to the man who was the heir apparent to own the Graves Supercomplication. Sold almost 10 years after its original production, this Ref. 2497 was quickly recognized by Mr. Fullerton as the ideal acquisition for his collection.