Patek Philippe

cal.12-400 HS damascened nickel lever movement stamped twice with the Geneva seal, 18 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, precision regulator • satin finished silver-gilt dial with applied baton numerals, gold dauphine hands, subsidiary seconds • 18k gold case, two buttons in the band to advance or retard the jumping hour hand, down-turned lugs, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle

The movement is running while cataloguing. Dial in very good condition. Case retains few light scuffs due to very light wear. A rare reference, in very good condition.
"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 original Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1962 and sale on May 15th, 1964. Together with a Patek Philippe presentation case.

Production of reference 2597 HS (Heure Sautante) began in 1958 after Louis Cottier's 1953 prototype and Patek Philippe patented the model in 1959. With specially designed pushers to the left case side, the wearer is able to advance and retard the hour hand in one hour increments, thereby easily adjusting the watch for different time zones. The first version of the wristwatch was made with a single hour hand but from March 1962, an extra hour hand was also available to enable two time zones to be indicated at the same time. Only 26 pieces are known from the market with the single hour hand and only three of these are known with a gilt dial finish similar to the current lot.

Interestingly, in the year of its launch, the reference 2597 had a list price of CHF 2,480 compared to the CHF 2,770 price tag of a yellow gold cloisonné dialled world time reference 2523.

The inspiration for Patek Philippe's modern travel time wristwatches (references 5034 and 5134) are clearly drawn from the original reference 2597 and still feature an independently adjustable jumping hour hand. Reference 2597 is illustrated in Huber, M., and Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, pp.238-239.