cal. 17-140 nickel lever movement with the Geneva seal, mono-metallic balance, 18 jewels, index regulator • white matte dial, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds • 18k yellow gold case, snap-on case with a finely painted polychrome enamel miniature featuring ‘The Port Of Amsterdam’ • case, dial and movement signed.

Movement is in working order while cataloguing. Dial is nice and clean but light hairlines to the subsidiary seconds dial. Enamel is very well preserved, no signs of cracks or any reglazing. Case with light signs of wear. A few minor knife marks to the case back opening area. Overall condition is very good. A highly recommended piece.
"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."

With an Extract from the Archives.

Patek Philippe have always prided themselves on using only the most highly skilled miniature enamellers to create the unique scenes featured on their pocket watches. This is very possibly carried over from a family tradition as the parents of Charles and Jean Stern, the dial makers of Stern Freres that took controlling interest in Patek Philippe & Co in 1932, were themselves both enamellers. The Stern family remains in control of the company and continue this tradition of using exceptional enamel artistry in contemporary watches (see lots 2376, 2377, 2378). Painted by the famed and highly skilled enamellist Pellarin Leroy, this extraordinary piece features a miniature version of the 1674 oil on canvas painting ‘The Port of Amsterdam’by Ludolf Backhuyzen. The original painting is on display at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria. Painted enamel scenes of this type are usually copied by hand from a larger image or created as a unique piece of artwork as a miniature by the enameller.

Due♐ to the repeated heating and cooling required, not only must the artist take into consideration changes in colour due to the heat but potential cracks caused by re-heating. As each miniature can take a year to create and requires such a meticulous process, this artform today is regarded as one of the rarest and most difficult skills to master in the industry.