Patek Philippe

• cal. 315-136 nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, free-sprung Gyromax balance, 31 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, rotor engraved with the Calatrava cross • silvered dial, applied baton indexes, pearled minute ring, feuille hands, sweep center seconds, apertures for day, leap year indication and month, fan-form aperture for moon-phases, retrograde date indicated with inner painted Arabic numerals • 18k gold water-resistant-type circular case with concave bezel, downturned lugs, sapphire crystal display screw 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 imperfections. The case shows light to medium wear with some scuffs throughout and some minor pitting to the tops of the upper left and right lugs. 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 an an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1993 and sale on February 9th, 1994 and an undated Certificate of Origin. Together with a spare solid case back, wooden setting pin and Patek Philippe booklets, all within a leather folder.

This model, Ref. 5050, was produced for approximately ten years, with production ending around 2002. It is the first sweep seconds perpetual calendar wriswatch produced by Patek Philippe since the iconic Ref. 2497 and Ref. 2438-1. 

According to our research, the present example is one of approximately thirty in yellow gold from this reference to appear to auction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present lot has been offered at auction.

For an example of Ref. 5050 in yellow gold with an identical dial, see Huber, M. and Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, p. 296.