Patek Philippe

• 13''' manual winding movement, 23 jewels • silvered dial, applied Roman and baton indexes, subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30-minute register, outer tachometer scale • convex bezel, two rectangular chronograph pushers to the band, inscription to the snap back • case and movement signed by maker, dial signed by maker and retailer • Extract from the Archives confirming sale on 2 Oct 1945

The movement is running and the chronograph is functioning, however it may require service. The dial appears to have been been cleaned at some point, as there are faint vertical lines through the dial. The signature and tachometer are done in hard enamel. There is a mark just above 6 o'clock. The case has been polished somewhat as the gold mark on the band is rubbed. The engraving to the case back reads 'Robert W. Besch, 12-25-45'. The strap 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."

Production of Ref. 130 commenced in 1930 and continued for over 30 years. It was the first chronograph wristwatch bearing a reference number Patek Philippe created in series.

The present example was retailed by Black Starr & Gorham, a signature which is uncommonly seen on Patek Philippe watches. The company's roots can be traced from 1810 to present day, but it has been known by several names over the course of its lifetime. Its most famed designation was 'Black Starr & Frost', as it was known from 1876 until 1929, and goes by that designation once again today.

In John Reardon's comprehensive book, Patek Philippe in America, he discusses the history of the firm's American division, the Henri Stern Watch Agency. He notes on page 106 that the manager of HSWA from 1947 to 1950, Edward Lionel Plimmer, came to the firm directly from the position of watch buyer at Black Starr & Gorham.

The present example illustrates this close relationship between the retailer and Patek Philippe during the 1940s, a decade in which brand came to particular prominence in the United States. The engraving to the caseback is dated to Christmas 1945, just months after the end of World War II.

For a discussion of Ref. 130, see Reardon, J., Patek Philippe in America, p. 116. Further examples of Ref. 130 are illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Vol. II, Second Edition, pp. 262-3.