Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460 automatic nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 37 jewels • silver dial with applied white gold baton indexes, baton hands, outer minute pearled divisions, subsidiary seconds • stepped bezel, screw-down case back, PP crown • case, dial and movement signed

A very rare and recommended piece. Movement is running at the time of cataloguing however it may require a service in the near future to be well preserved. Dial in good condition. The case is overall well defined and has likely never been polished, however it does show scuffs throughout from moderate wear. There is a noticeable scratch to the top of the upper left lug. There are also very crisp hallmarks to the sides of the upper left and lower right lugs. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information. Please note that the diameter of the watch is 36 millimeters.
"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 November 14th, 1962.

Ref. 3433 was launched in 1960 as the replacement for Ref. 2551. Produced for about seven years, it is thought that this model is twice as rare as its predecessor, and presents collectors with a rare opportunity.

Early automatic watches from the firm, such as the Refs. 2526 or 2551, are an important component to any collection of vintage Patek Philippe watches, and will be represented in a well-curated group. The true challenge lies in finding an even more unusual trophy piece. Certainly, the hunt for a white gold vintage automatic Patek Philippe is even more arduous.

It is estimated that the present example is one of only three pieces of its kind to ever be offered at auction. Offered for the first time, it is a piece which will elevate the collection it joins, or the collector whose wrist it adorns, to newfound ranks of distinction.