Patek Philippe

• cal. 12-600 automatic movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 30 jewels • silvered dial, applied bullet indexes, dauphine hands, subsidiary seconds • stepped bezel, later Florentine finish, PP crown • case, dial and movement signed • Extract from the Archives confirming sale 21 May 1959

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require service soon. The dial is clean with some weakness to the signature, particularly the 'E' of Philippe. As noted in the catalogue, the case has a later Florentine-style engraving to the bezel and lugs, as well as the recess on the PP crown. Nonetheless, the case is well defined, with legible goldmarks to the sides of two lugs. There are slight surface scuffs throughout. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see 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."

Production of the Ref. 2552 commenced in 1955 as a direct response to criticism of the Ref. 2526, which was considered too thick and bulky for discerning watch buyers of the time. For a further discussion of the historical importance of the Ref. 2552, see Reardon, J. Patek Philippe in America, pp. 154-156.