Patek Philippe

• cal. 9-90 manual winding tonneau movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 18 jewels • silvered dial, applied round- and baguette-cut indexes, subsidiary seconds • case with banded ends, hooded lugs, snap back • unusual 18k white gold hobnail bracelet • case, dial and movement signed by maker, bracelet signed by maker and Ponti Gennari • Extract from the Archives confirming sale with diamond-set dial and bracelet on 24 Dec 1957

A beautiful example. The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The side of the movement is stamped with the entire case number, 696246. The inside of the bezel is also stamped with '46', corresponding to the case number on the inside of the case back. The dial is very clean, with a very strong signature and subsidiary seconds done in hard enamel. It has aged somewhat, acquiring a very subtly warm tone. The shape of the case has been preserved excellently, with very crisp definition throughout and a very strong platinum mark to the band.
"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."

Production of Ref. 1450 began in 1940. This model is often referred to as the 'Top Hat'. Examples in platinum with diamond indexes, such as the present, are the rarest within the reference and most desirable amongst collectors.

The present lot is further enhanced by a highly unusual and beautiful 18k white gold bracelet which is confirmed on the Extract from the Archives. In addition to the Patek Philippe signature, the clasp of the bracelet is also stamped 'PG' for Ponti Gennari, a master jeweler in Geneva. Bracelets by Ponti Gennari are very rare and of extremely high quality. Interestingly, the Patek Philippe Museum is now housed in the former Ponti Gennari factory building.

The case of this watch was made by Markowski, one of the finest case makers in Geneva. In addition to this model, they were also responsible for the case production of other unusually shaped rectangular watches, such as the 'Eiffel Tower', Ref. 2441.

For a further discussion of the iconic shape watches featuring the 9-90 movement, see Reardon, J., Patek Philippe in America, p. 164. A similar example is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. II, Second Edition, p. 137, pl. 196.