Lot 309
  • 309

Patek Philippe

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
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Description

  • Patek Philippe
  • A RARE YELLOW GOLD OPEN FACED MINUTE REPEATING PERPETUAL CALENDAR WATCH WITH MOON PHASESREF 699 MVT 198429 CASE 647093 STARTED IN 1931, COMPLETED IN 1951
  • yellow gold
  • diameter 48 mm
• 17''' manual winding nickel lever movement, 29 jewels, two hammers repeating on two gongs • silvered dial, applied yellow gold Roman numerals and baton indexes, yellow gold Feuille hands, blued steel subsidiary hands, subsidiary dials for day, month combined with leap year indication, date and moon phases combined with constant seconds, outer minute divisions • 18k yellow gold case, minute repeating slide to the band • case, dial, and movement signed 

Condition

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Case in excellent vintage condition with light wear. Case back with some very light scuffing. Case band with two very small surface markings at 9. Minute repeating in phase. Calendar functions working properly. Dial in excellent vintage condition with light wear. A surface marking near center arbor of date dial. Some light surface markings to the center arbor of the yellow gold hands. Movement in excellent condition.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the year of the movement's manufacture in 1931 and sale of the timepiece on November 1st, 1951. Together with a Patek Philippe presentation case.

The present lot was formerly owned by Stanley H. Arnolt II (1907-1963), inventor, designer, entrepreneur and race car driver. One of his first inventions, an inboard marine engine called the 'Sea-Mite', was so fast that on a foggy morning in 1938, Arnolt made a record trip on a 13 foot boat from St. Joseph, Michigan to Chicago in less than four hours. So impressed were bystanders along the Navy Pier in Chicago that they dubbed the man 'Wacky' Arnolt for his fearless manner, a name that he kept for decades to come. In 1952, Arnolt introduced a new company, S.H. Arnolt, Inc. to import and distribute foreign cars. The cars were true hybrids consisting of British mechanicals and Italian bodywork. His company oversaw the final assembly of these unusual cars and managed the U.S. sales and distribution. One can imagine 'Wacky' Arnolt with his trademark cigar admiring this fine Patek Philippe Ref. 699 for its radial calendar layout and meticulous engineering.

A similar example with Arabic numerals is illustrated in Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, Patek Philippe, vol. 1, 1st ed., p. 206, pl. 180.