• cal. 240 SQU finely pierced and engraved ultra-thin nickel lever movement, 27 jewels, Gyromax balance • skeletonized dial, blued steel hands, outer fully transparent chapter ring • 18k white gold case, sapphire crystal display back • case and movement signed • 18k white gold Patek Philippe bracelet and twin folding clasp

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it has not been tested for accuracy of timekeeping and may require service at the buyer's expense soon. The case, dial and bracelet are all quite clean and show only very light signs of wear.
"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."

Accompanied by a Certificate of Origin and an Extract from the Archives confirming sale on November 3rd, 2009. Together with a presentation box, instruction manual and collector's booklet. 

The Ref. 5180 was created in 2008, and continues to be made in very small quant🌳itꦐies today. 

 

Skeletonized watches offer the wearer a glimpse of the complex choreography of intricate wheels, levers and springs inside a watch movement. Fascinating viewers through miniature carving, it is a challenging art that requires utmost precisio🦩n and patience.

This high-risk undertaking calls for extraordinary expertise. It takes many hours to fully skeletonizeꦕ just the balance cock, and weeks of work must be invested to cut openings into the barrel bridge, the plate, both sides of the mainspring barrel, and numerous other parts of a watch with the objective of sculpting a breathtakingly transparent structure. 

The 51෴80/1 reveals the mechanical and aesthetic perfection of an ultra-thin self-winding skeleton movement which has been lavishly engraved and decorated by hand. Featuring a maximum number of parts consummately pierced by highly talented a🍬rtisans, only very few of these skeleton movements are crafted each year. Since the engraving and skeleton work is completely manual, each reference 5180/1 can be regarded as a unique piece of art.