Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-70 Q manual winding nickel lever movement stamped with Geneva seal, 24 jewels, Gyromax balance • silvered dial, applied black baton indexes, outer ring for tachometer, apertures for day and month, 3 subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap-year indication and date combined with moon-phases • 18k white gold case, square chronograph buttons to the band, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe folding clasp

Movement, perpetual calendar and chronograph function in working order when cataloging. Dial is very nice and clean, in excellent condition. Case with only light shop wear. Overall in excellent condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. **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."

With a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives and presentation box.

Launched at Basel in 2004 and available from 2005, the Ref.5970 replaced the smaller diameter ref.3970 and reverted the case style to a square chronograph pusher with sculpted shoulder more reminiscent of the first series ref.2499. The 5970 was initially launched only in white gold with the rose gold version available the following year, however both metals were discontinued in 2007 after only a short production period with the release of the platinum and diamond version, ref.5971. At Basel in 2008 Patek Philippe released the much anticipated yellow gold 5970 then promptly discontinued the model after only 1 year with the release of the platinum version in 2009, the platinum version also being discontinued within a similar time period.

The Patek Philippe ref.5970 was perhaps the most successful of recent models, having been released as the demand for complications from the company rose and ceased prior to any production increases to meet demand, there was a constant waiting list for the reference throughout production with models selling at a premium on the open market. With Philippe Stern stepping-down as president of the company in 2009, the same year the final, platinum version was launched, the model could be considered as his legacy to the success of Patek Philippe.