Patek Philippe

• cal. 177 manual winding nickel lever movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 18 jewels, mono-metallic Gyromax balance • silvered dial, applied titanium Breguet numerals and hands • brushed titanium Officer-style case, down-turned screw-set lugs, solid screw down case back set with a 9.44 ct., D color, flawless square emerald-cut, diamond through which the movement is visible • case, dial, and movement signed • with a titanium Patek Philippe buckle

Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Dial in excellet condition. Case in excellent condition with very slight wear to the bottom left lug. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information.
"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."

The 9.44 carat diamond accompanied by GIA Report No. 5161081481 stating the diamond to be D color, Internally Flawless. Together with a letter from the GIA stating the diamond to be Type IIA. 

Additionally with a leather portfolio with schematic drawring and original Certificate of Origin with outer cardboard box, Patek Philippe original delivery coffin box and an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on 24 November 2004 and one diamond weighing 9.44 cts.  

The case back of this rare and almost certainly unique wristwatch, features an extraordinarily impressive 9.44ct, internally flawless, type IIa, D color diamond. Type IIa diamonds are exceedingly rare, comprising less than 2% of all diamonds, and are distinguished by extreme chemical purity. The diamond provides a mesmerizing view of the watch’s movement and contrasts spectacularly with the grey of the titanium case. Inspired by the classic “Officer’s” style watches of the early 20^th century, this wristwatch has an understated yet classic elegance - the case front, with its matching grey silvered dial, masks the massive flawless diamond set to the center of the case back. The accompanying technical drawing demonstrates the exceptional complexity and intricacy of the diamond setting, yet it also reveals the practical application of details such as seals, to ensure that the watch can be used with regularity.

This wristwatch is the only "time only" Patek Philippe wristwatch known to have been made in titanium. The movement calibre (cal.8’’’ 177 02) was the thinnest movement available in Patek’s production at the time of this watch’s manufacture and allowed for the incorporation of additional case back setting rings for the diamond, whilst ensuring that the watch remained slim and unobtrusive. Such attention to detailing is also apparent in the traditionally styled numerals and hands which are all formed in titanium and thereby add yet another level of complexity, since the manufacture of dial detailing in this metal is far from standard production.

An exceptional wristwatch, the “Flawless Officer” perfectly demonstrates Patek Philippe’s ability to combine the technical with the aesthetic. The juxtaposition of utility and luxury, presented so neatly in this example, is a testament to taste, discretion and imagination. Only a creative mind with great aesthetic sense, along with the technical masters at Patek Philippe, could so ingeniously marry such contradictions so perfectly. For this wristwatch has not merely been designed to display its extraordinary diamond, but to serve as a practical and beautiful wristwatch to be worn and enjoyed.