*  cal.R27 Q rhodium plated lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, gyromax balance, 39 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold , isochronism and 5 positions *  two polished hammers minute repeating on two extra-long steel alloy "Cathedral" gongs, revolving governor with pierced and engraved bridge in the form of a Calatrava cross, off-center 22k gold guilloche mini-rotor *  black matte dial with applied gold Arabic numerals, three subsidiary sunk dials indicating day of the week combined with 24 hours indication at 9, month combined with leap year cycle at 3 and date of the month combined with aperture for moon-phases above 6, outer minute track with Arabic numerals, gold leaf hands *  18k gold heavy oversized circular case with stepped bezel and lugs, minute repeating mechanism operated by a slide in the band, sapphire crystal display back to admire the movement and the actions of two polished hammers when striking *  case, dial and movement signed *  with an 18k PP buckle 

A beautiful, rare and collectable watch. Automatic movement running very well, minute repeating sounds clear, black dial is beautiful, case and buckle both with no signs from wear, overall in excellent condition. The leather 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.

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."

At the present time it is difficult to say when the first minute repeating mechanism made by Patek Philippe appeared in a wristwatch case. According to the record, Patek Philippe delivered 12 ligne movements with minute repeating mechanism without cases to Tiffany & Co. as early as 1906. From 1925 the archives of Patek Philippe also record the sale of 40 minute repeating wristwatches, ending in 1942 with the discontinuation of this complication. The firm later revived the minute repeating wristwatch movement in 1989 with Ref. 3974.

The present watch offered at auction is distinguished by a chime of exceptional sound quality. To further enhance the acoustic properties of minute repeating wristwatches, Patek Philippe created the "Cathedral" gongs for the Ref. 5074, which are longer and encircle the movement nearly twice instead of just once. They are also twice as long as ordinary gongs, and therefore have superior vibration properties as well as enhanced acoustics to produce sound of crystal clear quality. Different from the pervious minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch model by Patek Philippe - Ref. 3974, diameter of the current reference is actually slightly enlarged, and the reward is that "Cathedral" gongs produce truly exquisite tones.

Due to the complexity of its movement, production for the Ref. 5074 is limited to a very small quantity per year. With 467 parts, it is one of the most complicated wristwatches ever made by Patek Philippe. The two complications which Patek Philippe masters with exceptional technical prowess today - the perpetual calendar and minute repeating mechanism - are both equipped in this watch. It is also interesting to note that the perpetual calendar of this watch will run without adjustment until 28 Feburary 2100, as the Gregorian calendar does not include 29 February in that year.