Patek Philippe

• cal. 9-90 manual winding nickel lever movement, 18 jewels • silvered dial, applied Arabic and dagger indexes, subisidiary seconds • curved chamfered rectangular case, flared lugs, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

The movement is marked HOX, indicating it was made for the American market. The side of the movement is numbered 657523, corresponding to the case number. The dial has acquired a warm patina. The signature appears to have been re-printed at some point. The case bears only minimal surface scuffs and has been lightly polished in the past. The box for the watch is a brick orange color and may be from Patek Philippe's production about a decade or two later than the watch. 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 sale on May 19th, 1950 and a fitted presentation box.  

The unmistakable curves of Ref. 2442 has earned it iconic status among collectors, who know the model by nicknames such as the 'Banana' or the even more illustrative 'Marilyn Monroe'. Indeed, the contours of the watch are appealing from both a tactile and aesthetic perspective. Measuring 43 millimeters in length and with a pronounced width of 27 millimeters at the ends, it is a strikingly large watch from this time period. With its daring and shapely proportions, this model has become one of the most sought-after 'form' watches.

Ref. 2442 is illustrated in Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, Patek Philippe, Vol. II, p. 136.