- 51
International Watch Co.
Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 CHF
bidding is closed
Description
- A RARE OVER-SIZED LIMITED EDITION PLATINUM AUTOMATIC MINUTE REPEATING PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON-PHASES, YEAR INDICATOR AND BRACELETCIRCA 1993 REF 3770 GRANDE COMPLICATION NO 40/50
- diameter 43 mm
• cal. 79091 automatic nickel lever movement, 68 jewels, mono-metallic balance, adjusted to 5 positions, minute repeating on coiled gongs • white dial, applied baton hour markers, engine-turned subsidiary dials indicating date, months combined with 12-hour register, day combined with seconds and moon-phases combined with 30-minute register, aperture for digital year display, calendar in English • platinum case, repeating slide in the band, screw-down crown • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum IWC brick link bracelet and twin folding clasp
Condition
The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, the watch is repeating clearly, the chronograph is operating and the calendar is advancing. The dial is in good condition. The case and bracelet shows signs of light wear but overall is in very good condition. The interior circumference of the bracelet is 190 mm.
Case 2554040, mvt 2484294, ref 3770 40/50.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Accompanied by an IWC certificate and presentation case.
The Grande Complication is one of IWC's most exclusive timepieces with production limited to just 50 watches a year. The present watch with its original platinum bracelet is even more exclusive and rarer to find on the auction market. Consisting of 659 mechanical parts, 21 functions and displays, a perpetual calendar for the next 500 days and a perpetual moon phase display made of polished goldstone, this watch is a tour de force. The minute repeating chime is exceptional, as the sapphire crystal has been freely suspended on a platinum membrane, amplifying the gong vibrations via the sound transmission pin.