Patek Philippe

• cal. 12'''120 manual winding nickel lever movement, 18 jewels, mono-metallic balance • silvered brushed dial, applied gold Roman and baton numerals, gold hands, outer revolving ring for the nocturnal and diurnal hours • 18k yellow gold case • bi-directional revolving bezel with the names of 41 cities, teardrop lugs, snap-on case back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Movement is clean and is in working order while cataloguing. Dial is clean, very light oxidation to the gold hour markers, hands with very minor scratches. Minor light surface scratches to the bezel, lugs and band. Hallmarks on the bottom right band and upper left lug are strong and crisp. No signs of polishing. Very well preserved. Overall condition is very good for its age. A very collectible timepiece. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an 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."

With an Extract from the Archives confiming production with applied gold hour markers in 1948 and sale on January 11th, 1950. 

The Ref. 1415 HU (Heure Universelle) world time wristwatch was produced
from 1939 until 1954. According to our research, Louis Cottier, famed
watchmaker and inventor of the patented world time mechanism, delivered
approximately 115 movements to Patek Philippe during this period. Of
these 115 pieces, some 80 pieces were cased in yellow gold, of which only
around 40 are known to the market today.
The heart of this iconic reference, the calibre 12 120 HU, employs an Amagnetic
balance, a logical choice for a watch meant for frequent use in air
travel. Although earlier versions of the Ref. 1415 listed 28 cities, the last
generation, such as the present example, displays the hand-engraved
names of 41 cities on the bezel.
For similar examples of Ref. 1415 HU see Reardon. J., Patek Philippe in
America, p. 112-113 and Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe
Wristwatches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, pp. 243 – 245.