Patek Philippe & Co

• cal. 16''' manual winding first quality nickel silver lever movement, 39 jewels, counterpoise lever, col de cygne with screw regulation system, column wheel single button chronograph with split on a different pusher, two polished hammers repeating on two gongs • 18k yellow gold engraved cuvette • white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, subsidiary dials for the 30-minute register and constant seconds, outer track calibrated for 1/100 second with red Arabic numerals, yellow gold Louis XV and fleur de lys hands • 18k yellow gold open-faced case, repeating slide on the band, chronograph pusher in the crown, split pusher at 10 • case, movement and cuvette signed Patek Philippe & Co; dial, movement and cuvette signed Spaulding & Co

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. Movement is in working order while cataloguing and in very good condition. Dial in very good condition. Case with small scuffs due to use and age.
"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."

The cuvette is signed: Theodore P. Shonts December 25. 1911.

In 1905 Theodore P. Shonts was chosen by President Theodore Roosevelt to serve as chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, an important post overseeing construction of the Panama Canal, the unparalleled engineering feat of its day.

Shonts, who served until 1907, was primarily based in Washington, D.C., and it was there that his wife Milla played a prominent role in society during the Roosevelt administration.

In 1907, the Shonts family moved to New York City, where Theodore was appointed to another important post: president of the Interborough Rapid Transit Co (IRT).

The IRT was the operator of the original New York City subway that had opened in 1904. Shonts was appointed at a crucial time when the subway's growth spawned the city's expansion.