Patek Philippe

• cal. 215 manual-winding nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 18 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, 18k yellow gold cuvette • white enamel dial, Breguet numerals, Breguet hands, subsidiary seconds • 18k yellow gold Officer-style case, hinged back, screw-set lugs • case, cuvette, dial and movement signed • with an 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle

The movement is running, however it might require service soon. The dial is nice and intact with no hairlines. The case retains its factory blue protective film on the back and the bezel. There does not appear to be wear to the outside. The inner factory engraved cuvette has a slight scuff to the bottom where someone has carelessly tried to open it. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"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 undated Certificate of Origin and Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1989 and sale on December 22nd of that year. Together with Attestation, Contrôl office certificate and booklets within a leather folder, suede pouch, as well as a fitted presentation box with outer packaging. Further accompanied by a 150th Anniversary commemorative coin.

Ref. 3960 was among several limited edition commemorative models produced in 1989 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Patek Philippe. It became a favorite among collectors for its allusions to the officer's watches produced in the early 20th century, with its hinged back, enamel dial and screw-set lugs.

For discussion and illustrations of commemorative edition watches by the firm, see Reardon, J., Patek Philippe in America, p. 306, and for an original advertisement of Ref. 3960, see p. 337 of the same text.