Patek Philippe

• cal. 240/119 automatic nickel lever movement with the PP seal, 27 jewels, mono-metallic balance, 22k micro rotor • cloisonné enamel dial depicting a perching American Eagle with wings displayed, white gold feather hands • platinum case, screw down sapphire display back • case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed A. Porchet for Anita Porchet • with a platinum Patek Philippe buckle

Watch is in original plastic factory seal and unsealed factory box. 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, dial, and movement is in very good condition. The present lot cannot be shipped outside the United States.
"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 the Certificate of Origin, original display box and outer packaging, and leather folder with product literature.  Offered in factory plastic sealed sleeve, with tie tag and unsealed factory box.

Anita Porchet is considered a master in the art of enamelling, and her work can be found on a number of prestigious watches. Ms. Porchet’s passion for enamel work began as she learned alongside her grandfather at the young age of 12. She then studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Lausanne, where she honed her skills with miniatures, and spent the early part of her career working with enamel in jewelry and teaching the technique to students. In 1995, she turned her full attention to creating enamel pieces for the watchmaking industry, and today she is known as one of the best enamelers in the watchmaking world.

When asked the question “What inspires you?” she replied: “Enamel is the only technique which lends itself to a degree of vibrations, colours, light, nuances and transparency. Although it is very much about craftsmanship and technique, each master enameller has a unique style and can be recognized as a true artist.”

This beautiful Patek Philippe Ref 5077 with cloisonné enamel depicting the American Eagle is signed A. Porchet, a designation which confirms that Ms. Porchet has produced the entire piece herself. It is extremely rare to find Ms. Porchet’s signature on the dial of her work as in the present example; some of her works are signed on the underside of the dial or with only her initials depending on her involvement with the piece. This complete signature is increasingly sought after by collectors today as the work of great masters such as Ms. Porchet adds great value and interest to the piece.

It took a full week for Ms. Porchet to create the dial by applying a glass solution with a very fine brush under a microscope. Having ground the glass to the exact fineness, without any impurities in the mixture, she still has to master the delicate art of heating and cooling down the enamel without causing cracks or bubbles. A true masterpiece, the American Eagle required approximately 20 different firings at 800+ degrees to reveal its enduring beauty.

Patek Philippe and Anita Porchet were inspired to create the American Eagle dial specifically for the American market. The Bald Eagle is the National Bird of the United States, and is featured prominently on official documents and American currency.