Patek Philippe

• cal.12-120 manual winding nickel lever movement, 18 jewels, adjusted to 5 positions, and 3 three heat, cold, isochronism, precision regulator, mono-metallic compensation balance • silvered matte dial, baton indexes with Arabic 12, 3, and 9 o'clock, the hour chapters further set with gold discs, subsidiary seconds • stepped chamfered lugs, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Henry Graves, Jr.
Gwendolen Fullerton
Reginald H. Fullerton, Jr.

Lovely example of a Ref. 565 with Breguet numerals, minor oxidation to the dial, particularly at edges, case with good patina reflecting that it has not been subjected to over polishing, movement good and in going order. 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."

With an Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture in 1946 and subsequent sale on December 23rd of the same year.

This Ref. 1543 appears to have been modified with lugs that are similar to the Ref. 1590, most likely by the special request of Henry Graves, Jr. The Ref. 1543 was launched in 1942 in yellow gold and in pink gold and was still listed in production as late as 1950.  Less than 30 examples in yellow gold are known to exist. The Ref. 1590 was launched in 1944 in yellow and pink gold and also listed in production as late as 1950. Less than 20 examples of this reference are known to have survived.