PATEK PHILIPPE

• 13''' nickel cylinder movement, glucydur balance, precision regulator • glazed dial, black enamel Roman numerals painted over the glass, the dial plate displayed beneath, outer minute ring, blued steel spade hands • 18k gold case • movement signed

The movement is running however it might require service soon. The glass crystal dial is in nice condition, however the numerals are rather difficult to read as they are black printed on black backgrounds. The dial plate is numbered 25275 and I 490 (not 1, but I). The case is in nice condition. Overall this is an unusual watch in very good condition. The tortoise-shell box is generally in nice condition with some missing tortoise-sell surrounding the hinge in the back.
"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 yellow gold and glass with painted glass dial in 1864 and sale on June 29th of the following year. Together with a spare numbered crystal and tortoiseshell presentation box signed by the maker and A. H. Rodanet of Paris, the likely retailer for this piece.

The glass case of the present example allows the owner to admire the highly finished movement, particularly its unusual winding mechanism visible beneath 12 o'clock. This mechanism represents the final evolution of Adrien Philippe's stem-winding system, which was patented in 1861.

For a technical drawing and explanation of this system, see Huber, M. &  Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Pocket Watches, Vol. 1, Second Edition, pp. 51-52. A watch with the same winding mechanism is illustrated on p. 120, pl. 41a of the same text.

It is also interesting to note that the present example has a nickel-finished movement. Examples from this period typically have gilt-finished movements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present example has been offered at auction.