Patek Philippe

cal.21'''RMDQ damascened nickel movement with Earnshaw type spring detent escapement, 29 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance with recess for the blued steel free sprung helical balance-spring, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, wolf's tooth winding, repeating on two steel gongs through two steel hammers • white dial with Roman numerals, blued steel spade hands, four satin finished silvered dials indicating date with seconds, day combined with 24-hour indication, month combined with leap year indication and aperture for phases of the moon • 18k gold case, repeating slide in the band, hinged back • case, dial and movement signed

Formely the property of Theodor Beyer then sold, Antiquorum, Zurich, Sunday 16th November 2003, lot 153.

Movement running and repeating, calendar functions advancing. Strike is loud and clear. Silver dial in very good condition. Heavy case in also a very good condition. An extremely rare and complicated watch with an highly important provenance from the 'Theodor Beyer private collection'.
"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 Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin.

One of the most complex movements created by Patek Philippe for a modern pocket watch, reference 961 was launched in 1989. Very few pieces are believed to have been made, in fact just 3 are currently known. Chronometer pocket watches are amongst the most accurate mechanical timekeepers available and require tremendous skill and ingenuity to produce. The combination of perpetual calendar and minute repetition make this a highly desirable masterpiece of precision horology.

Patek Philippe first made chronometer watches with complications in the 1840s, almost 150 years before the introduction of the reference 961. Throughout the history of the comapny, complication watches with spring detent escapements have remained exceptionally rare and are amongst the most costly to manufacture. It is an extraordinary coincidence to have in this catalogue the ancestor of the present watch: a possibly unique spring-detent watch with perpetual calendar, chronograph and 5 minute repetition (see lot 110).