PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 2577PINK GOLD WRISTWATCH WITH WHITE ENAMEL DIALMADE IN 1954

Dial: white enamel Calibre: cal. 10-200 manual winding, 18 jewels  Movement number: 743'025 Case: 18k pink gold, snap-on back Case number: 699'581 Closure: Patek Philippe crocodile strap and 18k pink gold buckle Dimensions: 35 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on January 22nd, 1960

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing. CASE: in great condition with incredibly sharp case ans strong hallmark on the back of the lug. There is some minor surface wear visible when closely examining the case, including fine surface scratching to the back. DIAL: enamel intact and in attractive condition with some cloud-like surface blemishes visible when closely examining the dial. The hands and indexes in good condition with fine surface marks and tarnishing. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

The coveted self-winding reference 2526 is valued for its rarity and the aesthetic beauty of its enamel dial. However, there is a lesser known and far rarer reference that is now recognised as the champion of enamel dial wristwatches: the manually wound reference 2577.

Produced for a limited time only in the second half of the 1950s, it is estimated that only around 60 pieces were ever made and as a result it is one of the rarest Patek Philippe references in existance. The case distribution is suggested to be around 40 in yellow gold, and only 20 in pink gold such as the present lot. The watch is equipped with the very flat calibre 10-200 that allowed for the slim and sleek case design.

Retained in lovely condition with sharp edges and great proportions, the present lot is a stunning example of the rare reference 2577.