Patek Philippe

• cal. R 27 PS automatic lever movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 39 jewels, adjusted to 5 positions, 22k yellow gold rotor, Gyromax balance, minute repeating on two gongs • porcelain-white dial, painted Roman numerals, feuille hands, subsidiary seconds • 18k yellow gold polished case by Jean-Pierre Hagmann, sapphire crystal display back, minute repeating activated by a slide to the band • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be required. The movement is running at the time of cataloging. Dial in very good condition. Case with very few scuffs, appears to be rarely used. **The leather strap of this wristwatch is made from endangered species; please refer to important notices for further information.** The watch comes with a porcelain-white dial and not enamel dial.
"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."

The reference 3979 represents the first automatic minute repeating wristwatch produced by Patek Philippe. Launched as the successor of reference 2524/1, the first serial numbers started with 1,904,000, making this particular watch the 12^th being produced from this series. The vast majority was cased in yellow gold. Originally made to celebrate the company's 150^th anniversary in 1989, production of this model continued subsequently, until it was discontinued in 2002.

The movement featuring calibre R27 PS impresses not only by comprising of 342 parts, but also by incorporating the micro rotor automatic winding mechanism. The minute repeating mechanism uses 'Cathedral gongs', so called because their long length created a deeper sound and particularly long reverberation. The length of the gong in a standard repeating mechanism corresponds to almost precisely one turn in the movement whereas those of the 'Cathedral' mechanism exceed that length, as a result a much richer and fuller timbre is achieved for this exceptional piece.

In addition to that, it is interesting to notice that the present example is also featuring an enamel dial made by Donzé, Le Locle. Another rare feature of this watch is the "JPH" mark between the lower lugs, referring to the case maker Jean-Pierre Hagmann, who produced the first few cases of this series. All these technical and aesthetic characteristics make this reference 3979 a highly collectible piece for watch collectors and enthusiasts.

Reference 3979 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 320.