Patek Philippe

• cal. 240 SQU finely pierced and engraved ultra-thin nickel lever movement, 27 jewels, Gyromax balance • skeletonized dial, blued steel hands • 18k white gold case, sapphire crystal display back • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe bracelet and twin folding clasp • case, dial and movement signed   

Movement running at time of cataloging, however not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Extremely light wear to the edges and case band from sporadic use. Dial/movement in excellent condition.
"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 a presentation box, Certificate of Origin, instruction manual and 3 booklets. Also with an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on April 7, 2010.

The Ref. 5180 was created in 2008, and continues to be made in very small quantities today. 

Skeletonized watches offer the wearer a glimpse of the complex choreography of intricate wheels, levers and springs inside a watch movement. Fascinating viewers through miniature carving, it is a challenging art that requires utmost precision and patience.

This high-risk undertaking calls for extraordinary expertise. It takes many hours to fully skeletonize just the balance cock, and weeks of work must be invested to cut openings into the barrel bridge, the plate, both sides of the mainspring barrel, and numerous other parts of a watch with the objective of sculpting a breathtakingly transparent structure.

The present lot, in beautiful condition, is an extremely appealing example of the reference 5180/1 which reveals the mechanical and aesthetic perfection of an ultra-thin self-winding skeleton movement which has been lavishly engraved and decorated by hand. Featuring a maximum number of parts consummately pierced by highly talented artisans, only very few of these skeleton movements are crafted each year. Since the engraving and skeleton work is completely manual, each reference 5180/1 can be regarded as a unique piece of art.