Patek Philippe

• cal. 215 circular nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, free-sprung Gyromax balance, 18 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions • champagne matte dial, applied gold Roman numerals, feuille hands, outer minute tracking, rectangular subsidiary seconds • 18k gold flared rectangular case, concave sides, downturned lugs with flat bases, factory engraving to the curved snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The dial is very clean with no visible marks or spots. The case shows some light shop wear and the factory engraving to the case back reads 'Commemoration, 1997, 'Pagoda.'' The width is 26mm in the center. The Extract confirms the champagne dial and 11 applied Roman numerals as well as the commemorative text on the case back. 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."

Accompanied by a Bulletin de Marche dated March 20, 1997 and an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1997 and sale on August 7th of that year. Together with a Patek Philippe booklets within a leather folder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

The Pagoda, Ref. 5500, was produced for one year only in 1997, to celebrate the opening of Patek Philippe's Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva watchmaking center. Its inspiration was Ref. 2441, the Eiffel Tower model, produced in the late 1940s. While the Eiffel Tower cases were made by Markowski, the Pagoda cases were made by Atelier Réunis, where some of the greatest living casemakers work today.

For an example of the Pagoda in platinum, see Huber, M. and Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, p. 127.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present lot has been offered at auction.