PATEK PHILIPPE | A SUPERB AND RARE STAINLESS STEEL AND PINK GOLD WRISTWATCH WITH PINK DIAL, RETAILED BY HAUSMANN & CO.REF 96 MVT 923016 CASE 527561 MADE IN 1942

• cal. 12-120 PS manual winding movement, 18 jewels • rose dial, applied gold baton indexes, outer pearled minute track, subsidiary seconds • stainless steel case, 18k pink gold bezel and crown, snap-on case back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Patek Philippe buckle

Movement in working order when cataloging. The dial is extremely attractive and confirmed on the extract on the archives. The enamel signature is nicely raised. there is very very minor tarnishing, ageing and some very light spotting throughout. The case is in extremely well preserved condition the lugs still retaining the full proportions with only very light surface wear and the case has maybe done light polishing once. The crown has been replace during a servicing and the case back still retains a Patek Philppe surface seal. Overall, this is a exceptionally rare example and very honest, appealing and original condition. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve 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."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives. A Collector’s Pursuit for Quality and Rarity

Six wonderfully preserved vintage watches

Consigned by a private Asian collector, the follow collection contains not only great vintage Patek Philippe and Rolex but each watch is highly charismatic and incredibly rare. The care with which the collector used to select each watch can be seen in the quality throughout. The collection is further distinguished by each of the Rolex watches having been published in the Unofficial Rolex collectors guide in Japan.

Sotheby’s is delighted to present this nicely curated collection for sale.

Introduced in 1932, reference 96 is unquestionably Patek Philippe's most legendary and classic design. Made in numerous versions and in all case materials, its production lasted more than 40 years and was inspired by the Bauhaus movement, the German school of architecture and applied arts based on the precept that function dictates form.

The present stainless steel and pink gold version is equipped with a cal. 12-120 movement, which is the series 2 reference 96, and was in production from 1935 to 1953. It is generally believed that the reference 96 cased in white gold is the rarest, however, examples manufactured in stainless steel and pink gold are indeed considered trophies of the reference.

The present reference 96, retailed by the legendary Italian retailer Hausmann & Co., is the first known stainless steel and pink gold example that has appeared in public auction. The exceptionally rare case has never been polished before, retaining sharp case lines and full proportions.  Furthermore, the present watch features a gorgeous pink dial, harmoniously setting against the two-toned case that is confirmed by the Extract from the Archives.

Consider its rarity and overall condition, the present reference 96 represents a rare opportunity to acquire an imperative timepiece of the Patek Philippe manufacture in extremely well preserved condition.

For a similar example, please see "Stainless Steel Patek Philippe Watches", by John Goldbergor, Page 82 and 83.