Patek Philippe

• 17''' movement, 29 jewels, minute repeating on two hammers • silvered dial, applied Roman and bullet indexes, feuille hands, subsidiary dials indicating day, month combined with leap year indication, date and moon-phases combined with seconds • minute repeat slide to band • case, dial and movement signed • Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of movement in 1931, completion in 1949, encasement in 1951 and sale on 1 Nov of that year, original presentation box

In excellent, nearly untouched condition. The movement is running and the calendar correctors are all functioning. It and the inside of the case back show no signs of having been touched over the years, and are very well preserved. The movement is stamped HOX, indicating it was made for the American market. The dial is very attractive with no visible imperfections. The case is in very nice overall condition with minimal wear, if any. A very nice example.
"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."

A similar example with Arabic numerals is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe, Vol. I, First Edition, p. 206, pl. 180.

Interestingly, on page 228 of the same text, watch number 198441 is illustrated with the note that production began in 1931 and was completed in 1967, and watch number 197626 is illustrated with the note that production started in 1921 and was completed in 1967.

Production of the Ref. 699 commenced in 1946. An original archive image of an identical reference is illustrated in Reardon, J. Patek Philippe in America Reference Guide, Vol. I, Men's Watches, p. 15.

The present lot was formerly owned by Stanley H. Arnolt II (1907-1963), inventor, designer, entrepreneur and race car driver. One of his first inventions, an inboard marine engine called the 'Sea-Mite', was so fast that on a foggy morning in 1938 Arnolt made a record trip on a 13 foot boat from St. Joseph, Michigan to Chicago in less than four hours. So impressed were bystanders along the Navy Pier in Chicago, they dubbed the man 'Wacky Arnolt' for his fearless manner, a name that he kept for decades to come. In 1952, Arnolt introduced a new company S.H. Arnolt, Inc. to import and distribute foreign cars. The cars were true hybrids consisting of British mechanicals and Italian bodywork. His company oversaw the final assembly of these unusual cars and managed the U.S. sales and distribution. One can imagine 'Wacky' Arnolt with his trademark cigar admiring this fine Patek Philippe Ref. 699 for its radial calendar layout and meticulous engineering.