Patek Philippe & Cie

• cal. 20''' manual winding jewelled brass gilt footed-detent escapement movement, carried on four chatons, cut bi-metallic gold setting screws compensation balance, wolf's teeth winding mechanism, free-sprung blued helical balance • 18k pink gold engraved cuvette: Gustavo Wust Buenos Aires • white enamel dial, black Breguet numerals, subsidiary dial for the constant seconds, outer minute track, blued pear hands • 18k pink gold open-faced polished case • case, dial and movement signed

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. Very nice exemple.
"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."

Please note that the watch passed the test of the 'Observatoire de Genève' on January 24th 1895.

The detent escapement:

A costly, extremely delicate escapement used in chronometers, composed of a wheel with pointed teeth, which rest on a jewel called the locking-stone. This jewel is carried by a spring called the detent, an extension of which (the horn) extends within the range of action of the discharging-pallet, which unlocks the wheel each time the balance oscillates.
The tooth of the wheel leaves the locking-stone, and another tooth, acting on the impulse-pallet on the impulse-roller, gives an impulse to the balance. The parts described above are designed to make the impulse occur close to the point of rest, the point of equilibrium of the spring balance.
When the balance turns clockwise, the pallet passes the tip of the detent-spring, its only function being to bend the spring. The detent-spring was sometimes replaced by a pivoted lever.

This type of escapement most commonly used on nineteenth century’s precision chronometer, is a type of échappement libre. The first detent escapment was invented by the French watchmaker Pierre Le Roy (1717–1785) in 1748. It was then generalised in 1783 by the English watchmaker Thomas Earnshaw (1749–1829) with his standard spring detent escapement and used until mechanical chronometers became obsolete. Although John Arnold (1736–1799) and Swiss watchmaker Ferdinand Berthoud (1727–1807) both had their own version of this escapment in 1779, neither of their designs could match Earnshaw’s design in popularity. Due to the virtual absence of sliding friction between the escape wheel and the pallet during impulse, the spring detent escapement could be more accurate than lever escapements. Unfortunately, the spring detent escape is very delicate, not self-starting and harder to manufacture in quantity. In 1805, Earnshaw and Arnold’s son (at that time John Arnold was deceased) were awarded by the Board of Longitude for their contributions to chronometers.