Patek Philippe

• cal. 10''''200 manual winding nickel lever movement, 18 jewels • white enamel dial, applied bullet indexes, subsidiary seconds • faceted lugs, presentation engraving to the case back from 1971 • case, dial and movement signed • 18k yellow gold Gay Frères bracelet

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require service soon. The dial is in very good condition with no visible hairlines. The Extract from the Archives specifies that the watch originated with a leather strap, however it can be surmised that the buyer of the watch requested this Gay Frères bracelet at the point of sale. It is stamped '4 54' on the clasp, indicating it was made in 1954. The watch furthermore had special lug accomodations built to keep the bracelet from damaging the back of the lugs. The case back is inscribed 'From Gram and Gramp, 19.71' Together with an appraisal from 1971
"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 on October 1st, 1957. Together with a fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

The coveted self-winding Reference 2526 is valued for its rarity and the aesthetic beauty of its enamel dial. However, there is a lesser known and far rarer reference that is now recognized as the trophy of enamel dial wristwatches: the manually wound Reference 2577.

Until now only two examples of this reference are known, both in rose gold. The recently discovered and presently offered watch is the first and only Ref. 2577 known to the market made in a yellow gold case. Never before offered for public sale, and direct from the original family, this watch offers the collector the opportunity to own one of the most elegantly understated time-only rarities ever offered at auction.

Purchased in Switzerland in 1957, and lovingly kept to be passed to the next generation in 1971, the watch retains its original perfectly preserved Gay Freres bracelet and remains in unworn condition.