Patek Philippe

• cal.12 SC manual winding nickel lever movement, 20 jewels, adjusted 5 positions and 3 heat, cold and isochronism, mono-metallic compensation balance, precision regulator • silvered dial with applied indexes and dauphine hands • circular case, snap back, scroll lugs • case, dial and movement signed

Henry Graves, Jr.
Gwendolen Fullerton
Reginald H. Fullerton, Jr.

dial with some spotting at edges, however otherwise in good original condition, crystal seemlingly replaced, case in excellent condition, movmeent in good order and running. 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 the date of manufacture in 1946 and subsequent sale on May 11th, 1948.

Characterized by distinctive scroll-form lugs, Ref. 1491 made its debut in 1940 and was produced for approximately 25 years thereafter. Models with sweep center seconds, such as the present lot, were introduced in 1943 and featured cal. 12SC. In 1949, the movement was updated to incorporate cal. 27SC.

The overall production seemed to favor pink gold, and as such yellow gold infrequently appears. Indeed, the present lot is only the sixth example from the first series to come to auction in yellow gold.

The definition of the lugs and the crisp profile of the Swiss goldmarks are testimony to a piece that has remained in untouched condition. As a specimen example, it has seemingly escaped the abuses of wear and tear, and subsequent over-servicing normally to follow.

The case of this watch was made by Markowski, one of the finest case makers in Geneva. The casemaker was known primarily for the creation of unusual 'form', or rectangular, models, such as the Ref. 1593 'Hour-Glass', or the Ref. 2441 'Eiffel Tower', among many. Though not a 'form' watch, one can see the casemaker's skill in the highly stylized lugs of Ref. 1491.