Patek Philippe

• cal. 16''' circular nickel lever movement, 18 jewels • silvered dial, applied gold stylized Arabic numerals • unusual hexagonal case, the yellow gold bezel and bow chased with foliate swags, the platinum back with inset HHW monogram in yellow gold • case, dial and movement signed, case with factory presentation engraving 'Made Expressly for Henry Haight Wright'

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require service soon. The dial shows some spotting in a light color throughout. The case is extremely well preserved with very good definition and minimal light scuffs throughout. Please note that the Extract from the Archives has a record that the watch was fitted with subsidiary seconds. It can be surmised that the ebauche was fitted for small seconds, however as this watch was a unique request, with its unusual hexagonal case and similarly shaped dial, the seconds would not have fit the overall aesthetic of the watch.
"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 confirming sale with chased bezel and inlaid HHW monogram on September 28th, 1926.

The present lot is an excellent example of Patek Philippe's work to create individually customized piece at the request of important clients. As noted on the factory engraving, this piece was made expressly for Henry Haight Wright, a partner of Wright, Kay & Co. of Detroit. Wright's maternal lineage included Henry Huntly Haight, tenth governor of California, for whom Haight Street in San Francisco is named. Wright's father was a founding partner of the firm in 1872, when the company was known as Roehm & Wright.

This prestigious firm, located in a landmark building in downtown Detroit, offered jewelry, watches, porcelain and silver to the well-heeled industrialists of the city. In the early part of the 20th century, Detroit's position as the epicenter of the automotive industry meant that it was also was home to some of the wealthiest businessmen in the country, among them Henry Ford and James Ward Packard. As innovative technical pieces were of special interest to the mechanically-minded clientele of Detroit, Wright, Kay & Co. was an extremely important American retailer for Patek Philippe and placed an impressive number of orders.

During the years Alfred Stein was responsible for the American distribution of Patek Philippe, it was typical for store owners who carried the brand to order customized timepieces from the manufacture that were specially made featuring unique movements, cases and personalized monograms. The monogram and engraving to the case were completed by Patek Philippe in Geneva, and the unusual form of the watch suggests that it was made as a unique piece at the request of Mr. Wright. Indeed, to the best of our knowledge, the present example represents the first hexagonal watch by Patek Philippe to have been offered at auction.

The watch has been held in the possession of descendants of the Wright family until this point. Sotheby's is pleased to offer this piece for the first time at auction.