• cal. 17-250É photo-electric movement, 29 jewels, free-sprung mono-metallic compensation balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions • rectangular silvered dial, circular brushed gilt chapter ring, dauphine hands • the case decorated with a cloisonné enamel scene by Madame Luce Chappaz depicting sailboats over a polychromal background in tones of blue representing the sea and the sky, the revolving top fitted with the solar panel, mounted on three fluted feet • movement signed by maker, dial signed by maker and retailer, case numbered by maker and further hand-stamped with Cartier reference numbers

Purchased at Cartier, New York, 1972.

The movement is running currently, however it may require a new battery or service soon. There are some scuffs to the dial extending from the right end of the signature plate to the right of the central arbor as well as some scuffs around 10 o'clock to the interior and the exterior of the chapter ring. The cloisonné work is executed beautifully throughout. One of the pieces of tubing in the solar panel is lifting, which is not apparent in the catalogue photograph. As it cannot be glued down, it will need to be serviced by Patek Philippe.
"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."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1969 and sale on March 31st of that year. Together with an original Patek Philippe newsletter. An article within entitled 'Famous Clocks' celebrates dignitaries such as Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie and Italian President Giovanni Gronchi, who were among the proud owners of 🍰Patek Philippe's solar clocks.

The art of enameling is reserved for only the most skilled and patient of artisans. The curved panels and dome of a Patek Philippe💟 solar clock present an extraordinary challenge, such that one clock can take weeks to complete. Each piece is a unique work, created for the motif of the client's request.

The magnificent 'Jeux de Voiles' scene on the present example was executed by the esteemed enameler Madame Luce Chappaz, whose work can also be found onꦿ other Patek Philippe solar clocks such as&nb💜sp;'La Dame à la Licorne' and 'La Camargue'.

For a note on cal. 17-250É and Patek🐈 Philippe's production of solar-powered clocks, see lot 156.