Patek, Philippe & Cie, Genève

• manual winding jewelled movement • 14k yellow gold engraved cuvette • white dial, roman numerals, subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock • front cover with engraved portrait of Adam Mickiewicz (1798-1855) one of Poland's greatest poets and writers, the back depicting a representation of the statue of Miecislaus with the first Archbishop of Gnesen and the first King of Poland Boleslaw I Chorby "The Brave" • cuvette, dial and movement • cuvette engraved F. Woroniecki, Nº 91070 • with a yellow gold associated chain

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it might benefit from a service in the near future. Hair crack to the dial. Case in good condition, hinge to the front cover slightly loose. Engraving to the cuvette states "F. Woroniecki" (Ferdynand Woroniecki, 1836 – 1909, watch maker) in Warsaw ("w Warszawie"), Patek Philippe & Co. in Geneva (in Polish "Patek, Phillipe i Spolka w Genewie"). Nº 91070
"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."

This watch is historically important to both Poland and to the Patek Philippe firm. Antoni Patek, a Polish national and a Catholic, was instilled with nationalist sentiment after being forced by the French government to resettle in Switzerland.  
The figures on the back cover, Archbishop of Gnesen (Archbishopric of Gnesen founded in 999) and Duke Boleslaus I Chorby ("The Brave"), who crowned himself King of Poland in 1025, are therefore symbols of Polish independence.
It is interesting to say that this watch was ordered to commemorate the 900th Anniversary of Poland, 14 carat gold being the typical alloy made for watches for the Polish market. It has been sold to the official Patek Philippe representative in Poland in 1898 but presented and given in 1899.
A similar watch is shown on the 1851 London's World Exhibition's catalogue and is illustrated in Huber, M., & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe, 1982, p. 73 and 110.