PATEK PHILIPPE | 'HEURES SAUNTANTES' REF 2597A FINE AND RARE YELLOW GOLD WRISTWATCH WITH ADJUSTABLE JUMPING HOUR HAND MADE IN 1957

Dial: possibly later blue sunburstCaliber: cal. 12-400 manual winding movement, 18 jewelsMovement number: 727279Case: 18k yellow gold, personally inscribed snap on case backCase number: 309370Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet with clasp, stamped Gay Frères Dimensions: 35 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe suede pouch, Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on August 23, 1961

CASE Case with previous professional polish, mos visible at the lugs. Some normal scuffing and wear from age and use. A Patek Philippe service sticker is adhered to the case back. case back is personally inscribed "Bruce W. Hart From George David Hart, San Francisco 1994." Bracelet is very attractive and stamped Gay Frères, with some light overall wear. Some spots of oxidation near the clasp. DIAL Dial is very attractive and in good overall condition, the gold plate with two visible bumps. An area of faint pitting and oxidation between 8 and 9. Some light dust. While the Patek Philippe Archives have no record further than '2597' for type of dial, the most likely explanation is that this client presented his watch for service within the first decade of ownership for replacement with Patek Philippe's most current and stylish offering, the blue sunburst dial. MOVEMENT Jumping hour hand function operating. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."

Production of Ref. 2597 HS (Heures Sautantes) began in 1958 after Louis Cottier's 1953 prototype, and Patek Philippe patented the model in 1959. With specially designed pushers to the left side of the case, the wearer is able to advance and retard the hour hand in one hour increments, thereby easily adjusting the watch for different time zones.  The present lot is of particular note due to its early serial number and production date. One notes that previous to the present example, scholars recorded the first known Ref. 2597 as bearing the movement serial number 727300, twenty digits after the present example, 727279. The Extract from the Archives notes the date of manufacture as 1957, indeed earlier than any known Ref. 2597s previously offered. 

In 1957, Cottier is recorded to have researched and created three prototype 'heures sautantes' movements, which were likely then exhibited at the Basel Fair that year. Considering the date confirmed on the Extract from the Archives from Patek Philippe of 1957 for the present lot, it is fair to assume that the present movement was among those three. Following its exhibition and study, it was then cased and sold to the original owner in 1961. 

Sotheby's is pleased to offer the present lot on behalf of a descendant of this original owner. A prominent private American collector, he was an important Patek Philippe client whose collection included a Ref. 605 enamel dial world time watch. Reviewing the client's breadth of knowledge of Louis Cottier's most iconic works, it may be surmised that his patronage was rewarded with this rare and early Ref. 2597- the first known from the series. 

It is also noteworthy that the present example is the only one known to exist with a non-silvered dial. While the Patek Philippe Archives have no record further than '2597' for type of dial, the most likely explanation is that this client presented his watch for service within the first decade of ownership for replacement with Patek Philippe's most current and stylish offering, the blue sunburst dial. Working in close collaboration with his esteemed advisors at Henri Stern Watch Agency in New York, the client furthermore enhanced this fascinating piece as the only known Ref. 2597 example with a non-silvered dial. 

The first version of the wristwatch was made with a single hour hand, seen here. It is estimated that the firm produced one hundred examples of this mode, in yellow and pink gold, and with two and three hands. Watches similar to the present example, in yellow gold and featuring two hands, made up perhaps just over half of the complete production run. 

A similar example is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, First Edition, p. 184.

We are grateful to Eric Tortella for his kind assistance in researching this piece.