Patek Philippe

• circular manual winding gilt lever movement • silvered dial, applied Breguet numerals, subsidiary seconds • curved hinged case • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum buckle

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require service soon. The dial cleaned with original enamel intact with some loss. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information. Together with a Patek Philippe service pouch and an additional strap.
"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 applied platinum Breguet numerals on April 26th, 1928.

According to family tradition, the present lot was given by legendary baseball great Babe Ruth to his dentist, Dr. Leo Wiggins, as a gift in appreciation of his service. Babe Ruth was his patient over a period of twenty years, from 1915 until 1935. Over this two-decade span, 'The Babe's career took him from Boston to New York and back to Boston once again, with the Red Sox to the Yankees to the Braves.

Dr. Wiggins practiced in Brookline, Massachusetts, and Harvard Square, Cambridge. He and Babe Ruth formed a strong friendship, with Ruth visiting the dentist's family home from time to time, to the delight of his young sons. Ruth also presented the family with a number of important, signed game baseballs. The present watch has remained with the same family since it was originally gifted, and over that time period, was sent to Henri Stern Watch Agency in 1964, 1978 and 1998 for service.