Patek Philippe

• 17.5''' manual winding jeweled gilt lever movement, cut bi-metallic balance • enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer minute track with five-minute Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds • silver case with engraved niello decoration overall, floral motif depicting irises in niello to the case back, hinged silver cuvette, pink gold crown and accents • dial, case and movement signed

Movement functions however requires a cleaning to remain oscillating at the buyer's discretion. Case is in good condition with some wear to the extremes of the relief, some loss of niello between the reliefs. Crystal is loose and would need to be refitted. Bow remains polished from use. Dial in good condition with no apparent hairlines or cracks, slight chips at 9, would benefit from a cleaning
"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."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on 13 October 1902.

The use of niello as a decorative element in watches became very popular in the early part of the 20th century. The creation process is similar to cloisonné enamel work, though its effect is more subdued and it is less expensive to produce. Carved recesses are filled with the darker gray-toned niello, made of a mixture of metallic elements. After exposure to high temperatures, the niello sets and the surface is polished smooth.

Watches with niello decoration are quite rare in Patek Philippe's production. According to our research, fewer than a dozen time-only niello watches are known, and of those, the majority are hunting cased watches. The present lot and the following lot are therefore two of only approximately four known time-only open-faced watches with niello cases.