Patek Philippe

• 17''' movement, presentation inscription to the gold cuvette • chased gilt dial, Roman numerals to the enamel cartouches • bezel engraved In Tempestate Securitas, rubbed case back depicting St. George and the Dragon, engraved St Georgius Equitum Patronus, the interior with a scene of Christ in the storm on the Sea of Galilee • movement numbered and signed by maker and retailer, cuvette numbered and signed by retailer • Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives confirming sale 15 September 1886, retailer presentation box

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require service soon. There is restoration to the enamel chapter ring between 6 and 7 o'clock, and a slight chip to the cartouche for 9 o'clock. The scene to the case back is rubbed, and on the interior of the case back, the scene is nicely defined, though the engraving 'In Tempestate Securitas' is cut off at the top. The cuvette is engraved 'Jane, Dec. 4th, 1890'. The Certificate of Origin was folded for many years in the interior of the presentation box, and across the horizontal folds has separated (torn). It specifies the St. George decoration and is not dated. The watch is further accompanied by a Jaques & Marcus business card from 17th Street and Broadway, New York, with the salesperson's handwriting on the back of the card.
"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 example demonstrates Patek Philippe's tradition of referencing works of art, fables, or in this case, biblical stories, as a decorative element on their watches. It evokes both the legend of St. George slaying the dragon with his lance as well as the biblical story of Christ calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Both are common subjects in paintings and also often seen paired on either side of a coin or talisman. The detailed relief work in miniature on the present example is a testament to the artistic mastery of Patek Philippe's craftsmen, a tradition that continues today.

A similar piece is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe, Vol. I, Second Edition, p. 141.