• cal. 9''' manual winding movement, 18 jewels, dust protection • enamel white dial with Breguet numerals, steel blued hands • bezel nicely set with rose-cut diamonds, snap-on case back • case, dial and movement signed • extending diamond-set bracelet

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require a service in the near future to be well preserved. Dial with small spots near 3. Glass scuffed. Case with some scuffs. Diamonds missing on the bracelet. Two diamond might have been replaced. Overall this is a very rare and unusual example of Patek Philippe lady's early 20th century wristwatch.
"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."

This exquisite timepiece is amongst a group of the earliest known Patek Philippe lady's wristwatches and is a superb example of Belle Epoque style. Before the application of reference or model numbers, in the Pre-World War I era, there was a broad degree of design freedom yielding a greater range of variety, these watches can be considered unique or one off pieces.

This early wristwatch has clear links to pocket watch design with its enamel dial, wide bezel, and hinged cuvette which adds to its appeal and charm.

Watches worn on the wrist were slow to catch on in the early 20^th Century. Men found their appearance far too feminine and continued to favour pocket watches. The designs for the lady's wristwatches therefore became far more artistic and individual.

A similar example of this creative spirit can be found in Huber and Banbery, Patek Philippe, p.97, fig. 92 (Vol. 2, 2^nd Edition). Interestingly another very similar example with movement and case numbers respectively 161868 and 265134, only one digit apart from the present lot was sold in Antiquorum with translucent blue enamel inserts in Geneva in 2005.