Dial: silveredCaliber: 17'" ligne movement, 31 jewels Movement number: 197909Case: 18k yellow gold, solid snap on case backCase number: 316545Size: diameter 51 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture in 1924, completed in 1962, encased in 1967 and sold on July 26, 1974

CASE Approximately 119.9 grams. Case is extremely well preserved and attractive with crisp art deco lines. Case back with some surface scuffing and scratches. Bow throughout with some light scratches. Gold mark to the base of the bow visible but rubbed. Some material wear to the screws to the bow. DIAL Dial in excellent overall condition withing some very faint dust. Hands with some light wear at the center arbor. MOVEMENT Calendar phasing properly. Minute repeating in phase. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."

The exceedingly clean dial design with the linear calendar on the Ref. 844 was a particularity in the US market when it first appeared in 1965.  Bearing a full digital display of day, month and date held within a single aperture, the dial of this watch is an especially rare Patek Philippe design, as the majority of perpetual calendar pocket watches by Patek Philippe were made with subsidiary dial indications. The 'single aperture' dial design enhances the clarity and ease of reading the date display and is of a type more commonly associated with wristwatches.  Antoine Gerlach, a Geneva-based case maker designed the triple-stepped bezel and case.  With the sharp, clear lines of the case, the overall effect emphasizes the watch's purpose as a highly accurate timekeeper.

Patek Philippe produced the Ref. 844 from 1965 until 2000, when it was only available by special request.  Despite this extensive production period, the firm produced an estimated total of only 80 pieces in yellow and white gold.