Dial: silvered, gilt chapter ringCalibre: cal. 17''' 250 photo-electric cellMovement number: 872'584Case: gilt brassCase number: 115Dimensions: 22.5 x 13 cmSigned: dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on January 12th, 1957

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing CASE: with signs of wear and discolouration. Some spots of deeper tarnishing to the rear panel. Some discolouration to the solar cell. Light surface scratching throughout the some more noticeable wear to the top dome. Overall good condition given age. DIAL: in good condition, some small sports of tarnishing to the bottom right corner. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

Patek Philippe began experimenting with new ways of powering their time-pieces as early as the 1940s, trying out photoelectric, electronic, and nuclear timekeeping. Patek also introduced some mechanisms with photo-electric cells in order to store the energy in an accumulator. If the mechanism was fully wound, the cells also switched over to charge the accumulator. ‘Dome clocks’, or ‘Pendulettes’ - sometimes so named after their dome shapes cases and small size - were introduced during the 1950s and have since been in production. However, perhaps in part to their complicated and sometimes delicate production processes, Patek Philippe dome clocks are very rare. The majority that are found at auction might feature a colourful cloisonné enameled case or sometimes gilt cases with attractive applied and engraved abstract designs. The present lot has engraved lozenges which are in diamond-shaped patterns.