Patek Philippe

• 14''' movement with cylinder escapement, gold cuvette • white enamel dial with hairlines, bezel and crystal lacking • front cover with a polychrome enamel Swiss mountain scene inhabited by boats and a fisherman, the reverse with a shepardess with a mule tending her flock, both sides framed in champlevé blue enamel with loss with floral medallions • case and cuvette signed and numbered • Extract from the Archives confirming enamel scenes and sale 30 April 1855

The movement is not currently running and would require replacement parts and service in order to function. The dial has hairlines and a chip at 6 o'clock. The end of the hour hand is missing, and as mentioned in the catalogue, it is lacking a crystal and bezel. The cuvette is signed 'Patek Philippe & Co a Geneve' and the inside of the case back is marked with 'PP' in an oval as well as a 'G' within a cartouche. Both are numbered. The inside of the front cover is numbered '35', corresponding to the last two digits. There is some loss to theblue enamel on the outer frame on both sides, and scuffs to the surface of the enamel scenes, however no loss or chips to the enamel scenes.
"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 lot is an excellent example of a very early moment in the relationship between Antoine-Norbert de Patek and Jean-Adrien Philippe. The two met in 1844, in Paris, and the following year, founded Patek & Cie together. In early 1851, the firm was renamed Patek, Philippe & Cie'.

As the present lot is signed 'Patek Philippe & Co', the most likely scenario as suggested by the Extract is that the movement was completed in 1850. The cuvette was one of the first to be signed with the new company's name, sometime before the recorded date of sale in 1855.

In the early days of the partnership, the company was not satisfied to rest on the laurels of their technical advances, and as such also worked to create pieces of aesthetic beauty. At their display in the 1851 London Universal Exhibition, they advertised 'enamel painting in flowers, landscapes, portraits and historical subjects' alongside their newly patented stem-winding watches.

It is rare to find such an early piece bearing an enamel scene on both covers. Patek Philippe watches from this time period generally do not feature figural scenes. Such pieces are highly sought after and coveted by collectors and curators alike.

Similar watches from this time period are illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, pp. 108-111.