Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460 Q automatic nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 37 jewels • silvered matte dial, applied faceted yellow gold baton numerals, day and month apertures in English below 12 o'clock, subsidiary dial for date combined with phases of the moon • 18k yellow gold circular case, snap-on case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Andy Warhol, New York
Sotheby's, The Andy Warhol Collection Part II, 4th December 1988, lot 266

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. The movement and functions of the watch are working at the time of cataloguing. The dial is in very good and beautiful condition. Case with very light scuffs and one more noticeable scratch to the case back. Overall in very good condition. very crisp lugs and case, the perfectly sharp writing of the hallmarks and very well-preserved case and bezel. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to 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."

In late April of 1988, Sotheby's New York headquarters on York Avenue was abuzz with activity. After months of diligent research and cataloguing, a team of staff members, drawn from 27 different curatorial departments, had completed the preparations for one of the most important and talked-about sales of the decade. A significant portion of property belonging to the estate of Andy Warhol, who had passed away the previous year, was poised for the auction block. The deluge of artwork, clothing, decor and other artefacts on offer had been parsed into no less than 10,000 lots. Even Warhol's 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was up for grabs.
But apparently there was more. In late June the townhouse was cleaned out as it was up for sale. While taking out the furniture two curators discovered a secret storage in an old filing cabinet that Warhol used to store his unframed drawings and prints in. The discovery of the hidden space was only made after the drawers had been removed. Next to unmounted gemstones, Art Deco jewellery by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, more recent pieces by Peretti and Schlumberger as well as back then contemporary pieces from Seaman Schepps and David Webb the treasure also included almost 100 pocket and wristwatches from Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Cartier and other well-known watchmakers. The items were stored in paper bags, jewellers' boxes or lay loose in the compartment and displayed Warhol’s interest and fascination in colour, shape and design.
The present watch was sold on December 4^th 1988 as lot 266 as the most expensive wristwatch with an estimate of 15.000 – 25.000 USD. Since the auction, the watch has remained with the present owner and was very well preserved. Thus the condition is nearly untouched, proven by the very sharp lugs, the clear hallmarks and the very well-preserved case. 
Reference 3448 is one of the best known perpetual calendar models by Patek Philippe. It is also one of the most easily recognizable designs thanks to its angular, architectural shape and typical silvered dial with faceted indexes. 
This wristwatch combines the excellence of watchmaking with an outstanding provenance. For connoisseurs of Patek Philippe wristwatches, admirers of Warhol’s Pop Art or just as a must-have relic from Andy Warhol himself, this watch is a must have item.