Patek Philippe

• cal.12-120 manual winding nickel lever movement, 18 jewels, adjusted to five positions, and three for heat, cold and isochronism, bi-metallic compensation balance, precision regulator • silvered dial, applied faceted baton numerals, subsidiary seconds, dauphine hands • circular case, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe platinum buckle

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

Superb and early example of a platinum Calatrava with heavy platinum case. A must have for those who collect Calatrava references. The watch is in overall excellent condition , Dial-spot at 1 o'clock, Movement- the main bridge with wear, Case- with very crisp platinum mark on band The strap -appears to be the original or at the minimum of the same age as the watch, however the sides of the strap are worn as is evident in the catalogue photograph now with platinum Patek Philippe USA buckle of later vintage
"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 1940 and subsequent sale on September 17th, 1941.

The Ref. 96, famously known as the classic Calatrava, was made in four series. The present lot belongs to the second series, produced between 1935 and 1953.

The 'Henri Stern' Buckles

Until the late 1940s, the typical men's wristwatch buckle consisted of a simple rectangular shape with a pin. This style of buckle, often referred to as the European style, typically tapered to 14 mm. However, by the 1950s, a new style of buckle was produced that was designed especially for the American market by Henri Stern and tapered to one half inch and had angled sides meeting at a centerpoint above the pin. Known today as the 'Henri Stern' buckle, these distinct buckles were used throughout the American distribution network via the Henri Stern Watch Agency in New York. Furthermore, these buckles were supplied domestically in the US by a New York supplier. As a result, the quality control did not always meet the same strict standards as were dictated in Geneva and a significant amount of the American made buckles were produced with the incorrect spelling of PATEK PHILLIPE on the underside of the buckle.

Almost the entire grouping of wristwatches formerly belonging to Henry Graves, Jr. utilize buckles with this anomaly. With the presently offered Ref. 96P, the misspelled buckle is featured in platinum.