Lot 4
  • 4

Patek Philippe

Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
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Description

  • A LARGE SILVER OPEN-FACED WATCH WITH 36 HOUR UP AND DOWN INDICATIONWINNER OF THIRD PRIZE AT THE GENEVA OBSERVATORY TIMING CONTEST 1925-19261919 (MOVEMENT) AND 1929 (CASE) MVT 191401 CASE 289531
  • Silver
  • diameter 51 mm
• nickel lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, precision regulator, 21 jewels, sapphire-set endstone, 8 adjustments, wolf-tooth wind, movement stamped Extra and stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, silver cuvette engraved AWARDED THIRD PRIZE,GENEVA ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY Timing Contest 1925-1926 • silvered matte dial, black enamel Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, up and down indicator calibrated for 36 hours • plain case • case, dial, movement and cuvette signed

Provenance

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

Condition

A Prime example of one of one Mr. Graves Observatory pieces, Dial- silver dial with some slight scoffing, wear to the printing of Patek Philippe, Movement- in going order , perspecitive bidders should note there is wear to nickel of the movement plates, Case- with minor scoffing
"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."

Catalogue Note

With an Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the movement in 1919, encasement in 1925 and subsequent sale on May 23rd, 1929. The Extract further confirms that the piece obtained a Geneva Observatory rating certificate on July 25th, 1923.

According to the records of the Geneva Observatory, the present watch competed in the 1925/6 timing contest and obtained 759 points out of a possible 1000 and won a third prize in Category B. It was regulated by François Modoux.

François Modoux and Henri Wehrli were two of the highest paid workers in the watchmaking industry in the first half of the 20th century. As regleurs, or regulators, their exacting work in finely adjusting Patek Philippe's chronometers raised the prestige of the company in the competitions in a very public way. Indeed, the great majority of Henry Graves, Jr.'s watches were adjusted by one of these two men.

For additional information regarding the Geneva Observatory trials, please see the following lot.