Patek Philippe

A historically important, unique, large and very rare yellow gold single button chronograph wristwatch with vertical registers, Retailed by Tiffany & Co., Made in 1924

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

6,400,000 - 16,000,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

PROPERTY OF AN INTERNATIONAL RENOWNED COLLECTOR

Patek Philippe

A historically important, unique, large and very rare yellow gold single button chronograph wristwatch with vertical registers, Retailed by Tiffany & Co., Made in 1924

Dial: silvered

Calibre: cal. 13''' mechanical, jewelled

Movement number: 197'919

Case: 18k yellow gold, snap on case back

Case number: 289'861

Closure: brown Attila strap and 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Size: 34.5 mm width

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch in 1924 and its subsequent sale on June 2nd, 1926

Patek Philippe started making chronograph wristwatches in 1924. This historically important watch, consigned by an equally important collector was made in 1924 and is part of an extremely limited quantity made.

The first batch of chronograph watches were single-button chronographs which allow its wearer to operate all stop-watch functions via the crown - enabling the designers to achieve the most elegant and smooth case lines and use the most beautifully decorated Art Deco style dials.

Almost all of the first single button chronographs made had circular officer style cases with wire lugs and only the present watch and one other featured large square cases and vertical registers. These early single button chronograph mechanisms were powered by the 13’’’ Victorin Piguet calibre.

The present watch was last seen on the market in 1997 at Sotheby's in New York where the watch was featured on the cover of the auction catalogue. The watch sold for a staggering $400k USD which was a huge amount at the time. It was noted in the catalogue description that the watch was accompanied by a letter from the Henri Stern Agency in New York. The letter, dated March 14^th, 1975 confirmed that this single button wristwatch was sold to Tiffany & Co for $1,250 on June 2^nd 1926. The present example is also prominently featured in Patek Philippe Complicated Wristwatches by Giampiero Negretti and Paolo De Vecchi, pages 24 and 25.

Sotheby’s is delighted to present this historically important single button chronograph wristwatch which represents a significant milestone for Patek Philippe and their development of complicated wristwatches.

百達翡麗

別具歷史價值、獨一無二、大尺寸及非常罕有黃金單按鈕計時腕錶，備垂直小錶盤，由Tiffany & Co. 發行，1924年製

附帶後補資料庫精粹

百達翡麗於1924年開始生產計時腕錶。本次拍品作為該歷史性年份打造的極少數時計之一，不僅見證品牌複雜功能腕錶的發展歷程，更出自重要藏家珍藏，具有非凡的收藏價值。

此批早期時計均採用單按鈕計時，透過於錶冠的單一按鈕操控所有計時功能。這種設計使錶殼得以保持優雅流暢的線條，錶盤更飾以濃郁的裝飾藝術風格。

首批單按鈕計時腕錶多採用圓形軍官式錶殼，配線形錶耳。唯本拍品與另一枚已知時計，例外地採用大型方形錶殼與垂直小錶盤布局，內載 13''' Victorin Piguet 機芯，彰顯時代製錶工藝精髓。

本拍品上一次亮相為1997年紐約蘇富比拍賣，當時以驚人的40萬美元成交價創下紀錄，並作為圖錄封面作品引發高度關注。在當年的圖錄上有備注到，拍品附帶一封1975年3月14日出自紐約 Henri Stern Agency 的信件，確認此錶曾於1926年6月2日以1,250美元售予Tiffany & Co 。本拍品亦曾刊載於《百達翡麗複雜功能腕錶》專著第24至25頁，學術價值獲得權威認證。

蘇富比榮幸呈獻這枚極具歷史意義的單按鈕計時腕錶，它不僅代表了百達翡麗在複雜功能腕錶領域的重要里程碑，更是收藏級時計中不可多得的珍品。此拍品的出現，將為高級製錶收藏譜寫新的篇章。

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"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."