PATEK PHILIPPE

• cal. 7-70 tonneau nickel lever movement, mono-metallic compensation balance, 18 jewels, precision regulator • silvered dial, applied gold baton indexes • 18k gold rectangular case, faceted bezel, hooded striated lugs, snap back • 18k gold clous de Paris bracelet • case, dial and movement signed by maker, bracelet signed by Patek Philippe and Ponti Gennari 

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The dial has some very light marks and was perhaps cleaned at some point. The signature is done in very nice hard enamel. The indexes have aged. The case shows scuffs from moderate wear, however the gold mark is very crisp and the case back is stamped 18k, which remains crisp and legible. This stamp is generally seen on watches made for the American market. The Extract states that the watch left the factory with a leather strap. This was likely changed at the customer's request at the point of sale, as the bracelet is signed by Patek Philippe and Gay Frères and is appropriate for the period.
"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 1955 and sale on September 30th, 1957.

Examples of Ref. 3250 are infrequently seen at auction. Indeed, our research shows that the present example is only the second from this series to have been offered at auction, and the first to be offered with a Patek Philippe bracelet.

In addition to the Patek Philippe signature, this bracelet is stamped with the mark for Ponti Gennari, a Geneva-based master jeweler. Bracelets by Gennari are very rare and of extremely high quality. Interestingly, the Patek Philippe Museum is now located within the former Ponti Gennari factory building.