Patek, Czapek & Cie.

•cal. 19''' gilt cylinder movement, 11 jewels, stem winding mechanism • silvered engraved dial, Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds • 18k yellow gold case and cuvette, slide to the band to set hands, case engraved foliate design and central lion within a symmetrical cartouche, coin edged band, cuvette engraved • movement signed, case numbered

Movment running and fully wound at the time of cataloguing. The dial with scratches and discolouration. Engraving still visible and defined. The case with scuffs throughout consistent with age and wear. Engraving still visible and well defined. The bow with chain wear. Please note that the crown has been replaced. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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 Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture in 1842 and date of sale on April 29th, 1844, with pendent winding-mechanism, engraved dial, and engraved damask-style case with lion in the center. In 1839 Frantisek Czapek and Count Anton de Patek launched a joint watchmaking business: Patek, Czapek & Cie. The partnership was short lived, dissolving in 1845. They were thought to produce as little as 200 watches per annum, and the present lot is one of only 42 pieces which employed the stem winding system, otherwise known as keyless watches. Of these, No. 535 is one of the earliest surviving and to the best of our knowledge has never before been offered at auction (the earliest number with a stem winding system is No. 171). For the collector who wants to acquire a piece of the early history of Patek Philippe, this proves to be a unique and rare horological treasure.

Patek, Czapek & Cie. used stem winding systems made by Louis Audemars of Le Brassus from 1839 to 1845. Audemars was considered one of the pioneers of the keyless watch, and sold unfinished movements to many firms in Geneva including Patek, Czapek & Cie. 

Though Jean Adrien Philippe is known as the inventor of the modern keyless stem-winding mechanism for watches, he did not achieve success until the Paris exhibition in the summer of 1844. Philippe's stem-winding system did not get patented until 1845 through the French patent No. 1317.

The present lot with a diameter of 47.5 mm is atypical and for the period, considered oversized. Its size was likely a function of the stem winding system which required a thicker construction at the time. 

For a full description of Patek Philippe's early watches under the auspices of Patek, Czapek & Cie, including the use of this early stem winding system, please see Huber, M. & Banbery A., Patek Philippe, Second Edition, 1993, p. 11-20, 40-52, 66-77.