Patek Philippe

• 22''' gilt movement, cam-wheel regulator, 18k gold cuvette • white enamel dial customized for Dr. Venancio Labatut, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds • guilloché case with monogram • case, dial, cuvette and movement signed • Extract confirming sale with monogram 19 May 1904

The movement is running, however it might need to be cleaned or serviced soon. The dial is in nice condition with no hairlines. There is a very minor scatch near 4 o'clock. The case is in nice condition. The edge of the engine-turned back is slightly rubbed, but it is generally very clean. The hinges to the case and cuvette are nice and tight.
"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."

Watches made by Patek Philippe for the illustrious Brazilian firm of Gondolo & Labouriau, are prized as some of the best examples of the high-quality watches from the turn of the last century.

The present lot is a particularly interesting piece, as it is customized specially for a important client of the firm, Dr. Venancio Labatut. His name appears on the dial where the Patek Philippe signature would normally be, and as such, the maker name is curved over the subsidiary seconds instead. Dr. VH is also engraved on the case back. An 'engraved monogram' is confirmed on the Extract from the Archives.

Watches made for Gondolo are always characterized by movements bearing cam-wheel regulators and 9k gold gear train wheels. The central bridge of these Gondolo watches is frequently engraved 'Pat. Jan 13, 1891', which refers to the American patent for this type of wheel-train bridge.

For a similar movement, see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Second Edition, p. 134, and for more examples made for Chronometro Gondolo, see pp. 145-6 of the same text.