Lot 334
  • 334

Patek Philippe

Estimate
200,000 - 300,000 CHF
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Description

  • Patek Philippe
  • A UNIQUE AND SUPERB YELLOW GOLD AND ENAMEL OPEN-FACED KEYLESS LEVER WATCH WITH “THE BURTON HUNT” ENAMEL MINIATURE BY G. MENNI AFTER JOHN FERNELEYREF 652/56 MVT 933031 CASE 2818805 MADE IN 1980
  • enamel, yellow gold
  • diameter 44 mm
• cal. 17''170 manual winding lever movement, 18 jewels • white dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds • 18k yellow gold case, decoratively engraved bezels and bow, satin-finished band, hinged snap-on back with enamel miniature by G. Menni after a painting by John Ferneley depicting the "The Burton Hunt" (1830) bearing the painter's name to the bottom left and the signature of the enameler to the bottom right • case, dial and movement signed 

Condition

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing. The dial is in excellent condition. The case is in good condition along with the enamel miniature. Overall this watch is a fine example of enameling craftmanship at Patek Philippe and it is in very good condition. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

Catalogue Note

The scene on the present watch was undertaken by Patek Philippe’s top enamellist, G. Menni, who, along with S. Rohr was one of the most reputable enamellers in the field.   G. Menni painted approximately 50 miniature enamels for Patek Philippe, working in Geneva in the late 20th Century.  Some of his works include famous scenes such as the Renoisr Déjeuner des Canotiers (1990), the Picasso clown (1989) and the Canaleto Canale Grande (1984).  These bespoke Patek Philippe timepieces are often made with the subject matter specifically chosen by the client.  Such scenes often included famous landscapes and portrait paintings, celebrities, or even family members of the owners. The flawless work of miniature enamelling on the case back of the present watch is an outstanding example of this highly intricate art form.

The wonderfully stylized enamel scene is a miniaturization of the oil painting The Burton Hunt (1830) by the English painter John E. Ferneley (1782-1860), who is regarded as one of the great British equine artists, due to his beautifully rendered paintings of sporting horses and hunting scenes.

 The legendary Burton Hunt can trace its roots back to 1672, originating with the Monson family, who continued to host it for 150 years.  As the sport grew more popular, the hunt became one of the premiere events among the elite.  The 19th Century served as perhaps the Golden Age for the event, when at one point, hunts occurred six days a week.  Though the Master of the hunt repeatedly changed hands multiple times over the years, the hunt has survived through worldwide political and economic upheavals.  After World War II, the Lockwood family took up the mantle of the Burton Hunt, and helped revive the economic losses of the hunt post war, and  has served as Masters of the hunt going on three generations, supporting its continued success to today.