Patek Philippe

• cal. 17-250É photo-electric movement, 18 jewels, Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and one position • gilt dial with 'Scottish' motif, lapis lazuli indexes • gilt-metal square case with striated motif, solar panel to top, hinged back • dial and movement signed

The movement is running, however without the power storage battery, it does not run when not in sunlight or lamplight. The dial is clean and has only very minor spots from age. The case is in nice condition with only some minor loss of gilt finish to the top. The red fitted box is in nice 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 an Extract from the Archives confirming production with 'Scottish' pattern in 1963 and sale on November 7th of that year. Together with a Patek Philippe fitted presentation box.

Patek Philippe began developing photo-electric technology before 1950, and at the time, harnessing light to produce energy was cutting edge technology. Solar technology had not yet diffused into a wide range of products. The novelty was such that in promotional literature for the clocks from the 1960s, Patek Philippe's frame of reference were the solar panels used to provide energy for the cameras aboard NASA's robotic Surveyor spacecrafts.

The result of seven years of research and development, Patek Philippe's photo-electric clock was not only among the first civilian uses of solar power, but the first application of this technology in any horological piece. It was also the first freestanding, portable timepiece operated by means other than a traditional mechanical movement. Along with the advent of the electromechanical and quartz movements, this solar-powered milestone was one of several significant advances in the third quarter of the 20th century that threatened to render mechanical movements obsolete.

The photo-electric movement on the present example functions by a combination of several different mechanical processes. The upper solar panel collects artificial or natural light, which is transmitted via wires to a battery. This energy is then used to wind the mechanical cal. 17-250É movement.

This movement is particularly interesting for its allusions to Patek Philippe's more traditional work. Cal 17-250É is a variation of the watch movement cal. 17-250, and is distinguished by three major differences. The first is that cal. 17-250É is rendered in gilt metal rather than nickel-finished metal. Secondly, the wheels of the gear train on the present example are noticeably larger than they would be in a watch movement. The third, and most interesting difference, is in the layout. Cal. 17-250É features a gear train that has been separated from and housed adjacent to the main movement plate. This unusual configuration places the wheels directly in front of the torque device that acts as a winding mechanism.

For a discussion of Patek Philippe's photo-electric movements, see Reardon, J., Patek Philippe in America, p. 162. Further examples of the firm's solar-powered timepieces are illustrated on pp. 184-89 of the same text.