Patek Philippe

• nickel lever movement marked "Extra" and stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, Guillaume balance, 21 jewels, some carried in screwed gold chatons, sapphire endstone, eight adjustments, precision regulator, gold cuvette engraved "AWARDED FIRST PRIZE, Best Average Running Geneva Astronomical Observatory Timing Contest 1925-1926, No. 170358 Made for Henry Graves Jr New York by Patek Philippe & Co., Geneva Switzerland" • gilt dial, black Roman numerals, blued steel hands, subsidiary seconds • the case with hidden hinge and engraved with the Crest of Henry Graves, Jr., and motto Esse Quam Videri • case, dial, movement and cuvette signed

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

A superb example of one of Henry Graves Jr.s Observatory pieces, Dial- signs of wear, PPC mark on bow, very crisp and same for gold mark on pendant. Case-excellent example of the Henry Graves Jr.s crest, some minor scoffing to case. Cuvette- engraving is crisp and in excellent condition, hinge is no longer stiff. Movement - like its other components the movement is a fine example and is in going order, the plates with only minimal wear.
"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 of the movement in 1914, encasement in 1926 and subsequent sale on August 26th, 1926. The Extract further confirms that the piece obtained a Geneva Observatory rating certificate on August 14th, 1925, and that the case back featured an engraved coat-of-arms.

According to the records of the Geneva Observatory, the present watch competed in the 1925/6 timing contest and obtained 761 points out of a possible 1000 in Category A. The watch was regulated by Henri Wehrli.

In the early 20th century, there were 4 main categories of the Geneva Observatory timing contests and the results were published in the Feuille d'Avis du Canton de Genève, the official newspaper of Geneva, and the Journal Suisse d'horlogerie, the weekly industry newspaper. The competition categories were:

• 'A' Category for chronometers larger than 43 mm (19''')
• 'B' Category for chronometers smaller than 43 mm (19''')
• 'C' Category for chronometers smaller than 38 mm (17''')
• 'D' Category for complicated watches including minute repeaters and chronographs  

For additional information regarding Patek Philippe regleurs, see the previous lot.