Patek Philippe

• 19''' nickel lever movement, signed and numbered gold cuvette • white enamel dial, eccentric dials for time and subsidiary seconds, Roman numerals, outer track calibrated for chronograph, red Arabic numerals, blued steel split-chronograph hands • case with oversized elaborate box hinge • case and cuvette signed Patek Philippe, dial and cuvette signed Merrick, Walsh & Phelps, St Louis

The movement is running and the chronograph is operating at the time of cataloguing, however it may benefit from a service soon. The dial with very small chips around the hands and a fine hairline to the edge at 30. The case with light scuffs throughout. Diameter including box hinge and added decoration to the base of the stem is 58 mm.
"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 May 4th, 1883.

Pocket watches with regulator-type dials were made for American custom order timepieces in the late 1870s and early 1880s. These watches typically feature the movement number on the dial and also the name of the retailer. Today, approximately 17 pieces are known to the market with this regulator-type dial and split seconds feature. Retailers that Patek Philippe made these custom order watches for include Tiffany & Co. (New York), N. Matson & Co. (Chicago), Bailey, Banks & Biddle (Philadelphia), John B. Guttman (Pensacola, Florida), and Merrick, Walsh & Phelps.

Merrick, Walsh & Phelps was one of the first and earliest Patek Philippe retailers in the United States. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, this jeweler was opened as a Patek Philippe client in early 1855 by the founder of the manufacture, Antoine Norbert de Patek. Patek made a personal visit to the store and started a relationship that lasted until 1901, when the retailer was closed. During this time, the retailer custom ordered a handful of high quality enamel lady's pendant watches as well as high quality precision timepieces.

Of the known regulator dial split seconds timepieces, most typically are found within American cases with archives that note 'case supplied by customer'. However the presently offered lot is a rare example that features a signed rose gold Patek Philippe case – made even more impressive by the fact that the case is in the box hinge style, or the Louis XV style as described on the archive.

This extraordinary watch is one of the most important and rare Patek Philippe watches made for an American retailer in the late 19^th century. Its massive case, superlative condition, and overall aesthetic will please the most discerning collector.