Patek Philippe

• cal.12-400 HS nickel lever movement stamped twice with the Geneva seal, 18 jewels • satin finished silver-gilt dial with applied baton indexes, subsidiary seconds • two buttons in the band to advance or retard the jumping hour hand, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle

As noted in the catalogue, the condition of the present example is extraordinary and showing little signs of wear and no repair marks whatsoever to the inside of the case. The hallmarks are clear and deep and the case is developing a fine patina. Subtle suggestion that monogram may have been removed from caseback when light catches caseback and looking with loupe. The raised hard enamel and warm color of the beautifully aged dial further enhances this specimen example. A period buckle and strap may also be original to the watch. The caseback of the watch shows signs of polishing but overall excellent condition. Movement running but oil hardened - balance staff intact and overall aesthetic of movement shows little sign or wear of use. Highly recommend. Band 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 sale on September 27th, 1960. Together with a Patek Philippe presentation case.

Production of reference 2597 HS (Heure Sautante) began in 1958 after Louis Cottier's 1953 prototype and Patek Philippe patented the model in 1959. With specially designed pushers to the left case side, the wearer is able to advance and retard the hour hand in one hour increments, thereby easily adjusting the watch for different time zones. The first version of the wristwatch, as is seen with the present lot, was made with a single hour hand but from March 1962, an extra hour hand was also available to enable two time zones to be indicated at the same time.

Interestingly, in the year of its launch, the reference 2597 had a list price of CHF 2,480 compared to the CHF 2,770 price tag of a yellow gold cloisonné dial world time reference 2523. The inspiration for Patek Philippe's modern travel time wristwatches (references 5034 and 5134) are clearly drawn from the original reference 2597 and still feature an independently adjustable jumping hour hand. Reference 2597 is illustrated in Huber, M., and Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, pp.238-239.

The condition of the present example is extraordinary and shows fews signs of wear and no repair marks whatsoever to the inside of the case. The hallmarks are clear and deep and the case is developing a fine patina. The condition of the bezel and lugs highlight the fine quality of this superbly preserved watch. In addition, the raised hard enamel and warm color of the beautifully aged dial make this watch a trophy for the vintage Patek Philippe complicated watch collector.