Patek Philippe

• cal. 28-20 manual winding nickel lever movement stamped with the PP seal, 29 jewels, one-minute tourbillon carriage with Gyromax balance • blue dial, applied white gold Breguet numerals, feuille hands, subsidiary dial for constant seconds, 10-day power reserve indication • 18k white gold rectangular case with stepped sides, chamfered ends, sapphire crystal display back secured by 4 screws • case, dial and movement signed • with a 18 white gold Patek Philippe buckle

Manual winding movement and tourbillon function are all in working order while cataloguing. Dial is very nice and clean, in excellent condition. Case is very clean in general, no visible blemishes. Buckle with little sign of use. Almost as new. Overall condition is excellent. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. **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."

With a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, an instruction manual and a presentation box.

The impressive triple-stepped case was inspired by the firm's legendary Art Deco designs. The Ref. 5101 carries a combinations of  two rare complications, which took Patek Philippe engineers three years to develop a new tourbillon movement able to withstand the torque tolerances required to allow the watch to run for 10 days and when launched was the first of its kind. To prevent the minute wheel from obstructing the view of the tourbillon from the reverse, the entire going train was relocated to the dial side. The tourbillon is now showcased on the bridge side as the dominant element and is beautifully revealed through the sapphire crystal display back. The rotating cage alone is composed of 72 miniscule individual parts, and only weighs 0.3 grams.

Powered by tandem mainsprings to provide the 10-day power reserve, both barrels are wound simultaneously, the larger barrel wound directly and transferring power to the smaller.  The first barrel is equipped with a system containing a slipping bridle, which prevents both mainsprings from being over-wound and disengages the barrels when they have reached their winding limit.  It takes a Patek Philippe watchmaker up to 3 months to produce a Ref. 5101 from beginning to end.

Ref. 5101 was produced in platinum, yellow, white and pink gold. Examples in white gold, such as the present lot, are the rarest to appear at auction. To date only one other example was previously offered, making the present lot the second of its kind to become available in the auction market.