Patek Philippe

• tropical hardwood hinged presentation box inlaid with ebony border, mother-of-pearl inlaid presentation plaque signed No. 198061 Henry Graves, Jr. New York • silk Patek Philippe logo panel opens to reveal original certificate of origin for No. 198061 and further accompanied by original glass crystal for the watch bearing movement No. 198061 and original box key

The box is in excellent condition for age; only slight surface wear and some scratches.
"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."

Further accompanied by a handwritten Christmas tag "From Mom To Pete, With all my love" and a handwritten note stating "Crest motto means To be and not to seem". This box and its contents appear to have been given to Pete from his mother Gwendolen in the 1950s. The present whereabouts of the watch that originally accompanied this box is unknown.

Imagine the joy of receiving a Patek Philippe from one's mother on Christmas morning that once belonged to your grandfather. Then, imagine that your beloved grandfather was Henry Graves, Jr. Pete Fullerton experienced this joy numerous times as a young man in his twenties during the 1950s. Fortunately, he had a full understanding of his grandfather's importance as a watch collector and had the foresight to save every bit of ephemera that accompanied each watch. The fact that this watch is now missing is a mystery that will continue to spark the imagination. 

The historic importance of this missing watch cannot be overstated. The certificate of origin describes the watch as "No. 198061 chronometrically adjusted grand sonnerie, minute repeater, ship bell, two winding indicators, 22/24 lignes, 35 jewels, enamel dial... the case is open-face crest engraved".

Interestingly, a minute repeating ship's bell clock with grand sonnerie was also made by Patek Philippe for James Ward Packard (No. 174876) and delivered on January 31, 1920. This watch featured a gold dial with Roman numerals and a single up-down indicator while the watch made for Graves featured an enamel dial with Roman numerals and two up-down indicators, one for the winding train and one for the striking train.