Patek Philippe

• cal. R 27 PS automatic nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 39 jewels, Gyromax balance, free sprung regulator, minute repeating on two gongs, engine-turned 22k gold micro-rotor • porcelain-white dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds • 18k yellow gold case, snap-on sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Automatic movement running and minute repeating function in working order while cataloguing. The watch has not been tested for accuracy of time keeping, a service might be needed in the near future at buyer's expense. Dial looks nice and clean, hands slightly oxidized which is normal due to age. Case and buckle with scuffs from normal wear, light scratches behind the lugs. Overall appears in very good condition. Highly recommend! **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**.
"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 a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, solid case back, a presentation box and an Extract from the Archives.

Reference 3979 was launched in 1989 along with the Caliber 89 Ultra-complication, 3974, 3969 and 3960 to celebrate Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary.  Being the legitimate successor of the highly coveted reference 2524/1, this watch is made and designed following the pocket watch traditions.

This reference is fitted with the ingenious caliber R 27 PS movement, composed with 342 parts including a minute repeater mechanism with two gongs and a 22K gold microrotor. According to our research, the production of this caliber starts with the movement number 1904000.  The current example carries a movement number 1904007 indicating it was the first few of this reference released in the anniversary year. 

The impressive case of highest quality was made by the master casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann of Geneva, his hallmark JPH stamped on the solid caseback. Jean-Pierre Hagmann is the point of reference of case making and without doubt the most skilled artisan still working in the field. He worked for several of the world's most famous watch manufactures, notably Patek Philippe, to whom he supplied amongst others cases for references 3974, 3979 and 5029, all models of the firm's "Grand Complication" series.