Patek Philippe

• cal. 20'''GC nickel lever two-train movement with the Geneva seal, 44 jewels, bi-metallic balance, swan-neck regulator, minute repeating via two polished steel hammers on two steel gongs • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, blued steel spade hands, 4 subsidiary dials for day, date with constant seconds, month and phases of the moon with 30-minute register • 18k yellow gold circular case, finely painted enamel front and back hinged covers with miniature portraits of a young lady and a young gentleman, transparent cuvette with yellow gold rim engraved Grande Complication Realisee Specialement Pour M. William Apikian 1984, push button at 2 in the band to activiate the split seconds mechanism, chronograph safty bolt between 2 and 3, petite and grande sonnerie switch button between 6 and 7, repeating mechanism activated by a small slide at 8, silent(0)/striking(S) switch between 11 and 12 • case, dial and movement signed, enamel signed by G. Menni

Movement and all functions are working in order while cataloguing. Beautiful and clear striking sounds resonance through the solid 18k yellow gold case. Dial is very nice and clean, no signs of any cracks. Case is well preserved throughtout, only very light surface scuffs. Hallmarks are strong and clear. Enamel is also well preserved. An extremely fine and collectible piece of art. Highly recommended. Please note the movement has not been tested for time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense.
"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 is accompanied by an elaborate Patek Philippe 18k yellow gold and transluscent brown enamel watch stand with a fitted presentation box.  Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, certificate for the Geneva seal, detail instruction manual, photo image and a brown enamel matching setting pin. With a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1984 and sale on 12th September the same year.

During the 1980's Patek Philippe embarked on the mission to produce a very small series of "Grand Complication" pocket watches in the traditional way of how watches were produced in the company's early history, perpetuating their famed watchmaking skills. While all based on the same 20''' movement, every watch is a unique piece with superb finish and bearing the testimony to the continuation of the renowned reputation of Patek Philippe to provide the best highly complicated timepieces. Most of the grand complication clock watches were designed open-faced. The ref. 942/1 ultra complicated watch carrying movement numbered 866776 was published in the 1993 Patek Philippe catalogue, sequentially 4 numbers after the present lot.  According to our research, the present watch is the only hunting-cased example ever appeared at the public market.

In addition to its impeccable functions, this watch was enriched and decorated by the top enamellist, G. Menni of her finest work.  The art of enameling is reserved for only the most skilled and patient artisans. Patek Philippe has been dedicated to maintain this almost lost technique by associating them with the finest Geneva timepieces.  These rare Patek Philippe timepieces are often made to special order with the subject matter chosen by the client including famous landscape and portrait paintings, celebrities or even family members of the owners.  Every now and then we can see enameling on time telling only open-faced watches attract competitions in auctions.  The flawless work of miniature enameling on both sides of the hunting case makes this grand complication watch exceedingly rare.