Patek Philippe

• cal 12-600 AT,automatic nickel lever movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 37 jewels, 18k gold rotor • silvered matte dial, applied Arabic and baton numerals, subsidiary seconds • stepped bezel, apostrophe-shaped lugs, PP crown, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe buckle

Exceptionally Rare Platinum automatic watch, one of two known examples in platinum The dial- good overall original condition The case- good unpolished condtion with only slight scoffing to surfaces, The movement- in going order however at some point would benefit from cleaning 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."

With an Extract from the Archives confirming production sale on May 5th, 1964.

Patek Philippe designed an unusual water-resistant type snap-back case back for Ref. 3435. Using a special system to overcome the difficulty of producing a case that was impervious to water without using a screw-down back, the reference is a rare example of an automatic wristwatch by the company. Adding to the rarity of the present lot is the fact that it is only one of two examples of Ref. 3435 known in platinum.

It was not until production of the Ref. 2526 began in 1953 that Patek Philippe introduced automatic wristwatch movements. Production of Ref. 3435 began in 1960. The present lot, made in 1963, was therefore created 10 years after the automatic movement first entered Patek's repertoire and incorporated calibre 27-460.

For an archive photo of this rare reference see J.Reardon, Patek Phililppe in America, Reference Guide, Vol. I, p.97