Patek Philippe

• cal. 17-170 nickel lever movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, bi-metallic compensation balance, 18 jewels, micrometer regulator, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions • silvered dial, applied gold faceted bullet indexes, gold dauphine hands, recessed subsidiary dials for month, date, constant seconds combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases, day, outer minute track with applied gold dot indexes at 5 minute divisions • 18k gold circular case, concave bezel, brushed band, bell-form bow, snap back • case, dial and movement signed  

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The dial appears very clean with no visible marks and the hard enamel on the subsidiary dials and tracking is quite nicely defined. The case bears some light scuffs.
"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 Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1951 and sale on May 4th, 1959.

Ref. 725 was launched in 1940 and production continued for approximately forty years. According to our research, the present example is one of fewer than fifteen from this reference, and one of fewer than five examples from the second series of this reference, to appear at auction. Examples from the second series bear dauphine hands and applied hour indexes, whereas first series examples bear Arabic numerals and feuille hands.

For an example of Ref. 725 with a leap year indication incorporated into the month subsidiary dial, see Huber, M., & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Second Edition, p. 206.