Patek Philippe

• cal. 215 manual winding movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 18 jewels • white dial, applied bullet indexes, dauphine hands, subsidiary seconds • presentation inscription to the sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle • Certificate of Origin dated 24 Dec 1997, Extract from the Archives confirming sale on 18 Nov 1997, booklets, folder, box, packaging

The watch is running, however it may require service soon. The dial is very clean and shows no visible imperfections. The case is unpolished and shows some signs of light wear. The presentation inscription to the case back reads 'Thanks, MJ'. Further accompanied by a notarized letter from Coach Winter's daughter-in-law. The strap contains endangered species; please see 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."

The present watch was presented to Tex Winter by Michael Jordan following the 1997-1998 NBA season where the Chicago Bulls won the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz. This was the sixth NBA title for the Bulls in eight years and the last one Jordan would win. The back of the watch is engraved simply 'Thanks, MJ.'

Tex Winter is best known as an assistant coach under Phil Jackson first with the Chicago Bulls and subsequently with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is credited with enhancing and popularizing the Triangle Offense, developed by his college coach Sam Barry at USC, and making it an effective strategy of the modern basketball game.

The offensive scheme made Jordan's tremendous abilities a single part of a greater program, rather than the entire focus. Before implementing the Triangle Offense, opposing teams were able to double- or triple-team, Jordan, making the Bulls' offense less effective. Once Jackson and Winter initiated the Triangle, it became easier to use Jordan as a moving target, freeing him to score more easily and allowing his teammates to get to the basket more efficiently as well.

To date, Phil Jackson has coached teams to 11 NBA Championships using the Triangle Offense - a tool he got directly from Tex Winter.

For Jordan, Winter was as important a teacher as he was a strategist. During his retirement press conference in 2001, Jordan singled Winter out saying, "...Tex Winter probably [was] the most [important teacher], because he was probably the one that would criticize my game more than anybody. To me that's a plus, that's a driving force for me."

This watch is further accompanied by a copy of the book, Coach Tex Winter: Triangle Basketball, by Ann Parr as well as a notarized letter from Winter's family confirming the details of the gift from Jordan.