Patek Philippe

• cal. R27Q automatic nickel lever movement, Gyromax balance, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 39 jewels, 22k gold engraved mini rotor with inscription, two polished steel hammers repeating on two gongs, revolving repetition governor under pierced Calatrava cross • silvered dial, applied gold faceted baton numerals, three subsidiary dials for day combined with 24-hour indicator, month with leap year indication and date with aperture for moon phase • 18k yellow gold large circular case with rounded bezel and sapphire crystal display case back, stepped lugs, sunken repetition slide • case, dial and movement signed, case stamped JPH for Jean-Pierre Hagmann

The movement and perpetual calendar are working at the time of cataloguing. The dial is in good condition. The case has signs of wear with noticeable scuffs throughout. The hallmarks are still crisp but the case has been polished. The gold rotor of this watch has been engraved with the current owners name. Thickness : 12 mm Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to 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."

The present watch offered at auction is distinguished by a repetition chime of exceptional sound quality. The reference 3974 is one of the most mechanically complicated wristwatches produced by Patek Philippe. With 467 parts, the movement measures just 28mm. in diameter and 6.8mm in height. The case of the present Ref. 3974 was made for Patek Philippe by the celebrated Jean-Pierre Hagmann, whose case maker’s mark, JHP, is stamped to the bottom right lug. Details of the movement and under-dial are shown in Huber, M., & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe, Wristwatches, Second Edition, p.325.

Interestingly the 3974 is the one model that Reginald ‘Pete’ Fullerton (the grandson of Henry Graves – see following lot no.345) was unable to secure. Having determined to assemble a collection showcasing the finest example of each and every Patek Philippe perpetual calendar ever made, Fullerton wrote to Patek Philippe on August 29^th, 1988:

“I noticed a picture of a wristwatch to be made in 1988 and numbered 3974. Obviously you are holding out on me. What can you tell me about this little gem? The ghost of Henry Graves, Jr. tells me to look into this matter.”