百達翡麗

• Lepine 風格鍍金銅工字輪擒縱機芯14'''，狼牙上弦齒輪 • 琺瑯錶盤，羅馬數字，藍色寶璣式指針，外環分鐘刻度 • 精雕內蓋，黑色內填琺瑯，精繪琺瑯小型肖像畫 • 18k黃金錶殼，雕刻錶背蓋 • 機芯印有品牌標誌

* 拍品資料以英文圖錄為準。

Movement is in working order while cataloguing, but it has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. Dial with scuffs and a tiny missing part of the enamel at 3 o clock. Case with scuffs to the back and the engraving is highly used do to use and age. Movement in good condition.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The present lot is an early example of the very limited production of “Patek & Cie” (1845-1851).

It is further distinguished by belonging to an exclusive group of approximately 20 watches produced at that time and featuring a portrait. These are mainly related to the heroic history of Poland, mother country of Antoine Norbert de Patek. The portraits were usually realized by Gaspard Lamunière (1810-1865). A part of this group, including the present watch, features a “hidden portrait” as it is painted on the cuvette. Today, some of the very rare examples of these watches to have survived are preciously kept in the collection of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.

The portrait displayed on the present watch is that of Ludwik Kicki (Ludwika Kickiego) 1790-1831.

In 1807, Ludwik Kicki enrolled in the new Polish army and quickly became aide-de-camp of General Alexander Rozniecki and thereafter of Prince Jozef Antoni Poniatowski. He was awarded [as was Antoine Norbert de Patek] the “Virituti Militari”, the highest Polish military distinction. He also received the Légion d’honneur from Napoléon.

When Poland was occupied by the Russians and, willing to support his country, he was appointed aide-de-camp of the Grand Duke Constantin, brother of the Tsar Alexander. He then became chamberlain of the Tsar Nicolas.

In 1830, he joined the insurrection to liberate Poland and was appointed General. He defeated the Russians in many battles such as in Grochow, against the renowned Russian cuirassiers. In 1831, he was killed by a cannonball on the battlefield of Ostrolenka. 

In recognition of the courage of this national hero, the people of Varsovia gathered in front of his house. Even the Russian police took no action against the gathering as a sign of respect.