PATEK PHILIPPE

• 13''' gilt cylinder movement, precision regulator, 18k gold cuvette with engine-turned border • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, blued steel Breguet hands • 18k gold case engraved with vermicelle pattern, the front with blue enamel forget-me-nots surrounding a matte reserve, the reverse with polychrome enamel scene of two greyhounds in a parlor, presentation inscription to the inside of the hinged back • case and cuvette signed 

The movement fully wound and is currently not running. It will require service. The dial has some slight chipping around dial screws, and there is a scratch between 8 and 9 o'clock. There are signs of repair to the back hinge. There is one small area of restoration at 6 o'clock to the enamel beneath the lower dog's feet, including a chip. The inscription to the inside of the hinged back reads 'Robert to Sarah, May 26th, 1854.'
"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 1852 and sale on November 22nd of the following year. It is important to note that the Extract confirms that the case originated with 'front cover ornamented with painted myosotis and vermicelle pattern, back cover ornamented with two greyhounds surrounded by vermicelle pattern'.

The present example is of particular note as it features a key-wound movement. Although Adrien Philippe invented the stem-wound mechanism in 1841, many retailers considered this new invention a potential liability and continued to order key-wound watches from the firm.

Another interesting point for the present lot is that it was produced during the first years of the relationship between Patek Philippe and its first American agent, Tiffany & Co., which began officially in 1851 and continues to be very strong to this day.  

For another example of a watch made for Tiffany & Co. in 1853 and fitted with the same movement, also chased with a vermicelle pattern, see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Pocket Watches, Vol 1, Second Edition, p. 117, pl. 37a-37b.