Patek Philippe

• 14''' jeweled gilt lever movement, gold cuvette • white enamel dial, Roman numerals • guilloché case overlaid with blue enamel (with losses), the front enhanced by a rose-cut diamond-set bouquet of flowers, the reverse with a blank cartouche and engraved floral swags • cuvette signed by maker and retailer, case numbered

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require service soon. The dial shows a small hairline crack at 8 o'clock. The inside of the front case is marked 07 and the inside of the front cover reads 11287, please note that it appears here that the 0 has been reeplaced by an 8, likely an oversight. There are losses to the edges of the enamel on both the front and the back, and scuffs to the surface as well.
"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 the blue enamel, diamond enhancements and sale on July 18th, 1860.

The present lot provides an interesting glimpse into the early years of Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. When this watch was produced in 1855, both firms were within their first decade of existence, and they had just agreed one year earlier that the American firm, first known as Tiffany, Young & Ellis, would be the first official agent of Patek Philippe. It goes without saying that both companies went on to become powerhouses of luxury.

A similar example, set with pearls and fitted with a cylinder escapement, is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, p. 111, figs. 24 a and b. It is interesting to note that the present lot was amongst the first examples to feature a lever escapement.