Patek Philippe

• 10''' nickel lever movement, 18 jewels • gilt dial, black painted Breguet numerals, outer minute track • yellow gold circular case concealed within a hinged 18k yellow gold US twenty dollar coin • case, dial and movement signed, dial signed by retailer 

Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Case in overall very good condition with minor wear to the exterior. The button sits slightly inside the case band, interior case hinge is tight, interior case back is slightly bent and does not stay on the case, missing slight plating and has two slight dents. Movement in very good aesthetic condition and works properly. Dial in excellent original condition.
"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 sale on 27 April 1940.

According to our research, the present coin watch is amongst the earliest known by Patek Philippe. Another early example was produced in 1925 and sold in 1928 to Henry Graves Jr. bearing the movement No. 812471; see Sotheby's New York, 14 June 2012, lot 7.  Another early example, No. 861011, sold 19 August 1940, can be seen in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. 1, Second Edition, p. 165.

Patek Philippe made 9 different types of coin watches, all reference numbers 800-809, through the mid-20th century. The Breguet numerals of the present lot, confirmed on the extract, make this a particularly rare example among an already scarce type of watch from the manufacturer. The present lot also bears the signature of the retailer Astrua, located in Turin, Italy. Today Astrua still continues to sell Patek Philippe watches.