Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-460 automatic lever movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 37 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, Gyromax balance, yellow gold rotor • slate-coloured dial, painted white roman numerals, white hands, subsidiary seconds, outer minute track • 18k yellow gold case, down-turned lugs, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Collection of the original owner

M. Huber and A. Banbery, Patek Philippe, Vol.2, Second Edition, pp. 218-220 , pls. 352-353 a,b,c,

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. The dial is in a very condition with only one minor scuff by number 4. The case has fine scuffing consistent with age and little use, the hallmarks on the lugs are clearly visible while one of the marks on the band is slightly rubbed. **The leather strap of this wristwatch is made from 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."

This unique and potentially historic watch is considered to be the first Patek Philippe wristwatch fitted with a sapphire-crystal case-back, thus enabling one to see the legendary self-winding calibre 27-460. Also of particular note is the remarkable prototype, slate-coloured (‘ardoise’) dial with white roman numerals, and white hands. These replaced the original solid case-back and silvered dial. Both the original, solid case-back and original dial accompany the watch. Without a doubt, this watch is the precursor of the majority of contemporary Patek Philippe wristwatches, currently fitted with sapphire-crystal case-backs and supplied with an alternative, solid gold case-back.

The reference 3439/1, is only known in yellow gold and was produced between 1961 and 1966 and carefully confined to a limited production run. Nevertheless, number 1.114.079 is the only known example with both the sapphire-crystal case-back and the specially designed ‘ardoise’ dial with white numerals and hands. Both the fitting of the sapphire-crystal display back and its unique dial were made at that time, at the special request of the owner. The sapphire-crystal case-back was introduced over a number of years and, due to its success and popularity, became ‘standard’ procedure after the millennium in 2000, three decades after the present watch was completed.

This unique example is lavishly illustrated in M. Huber and A. Banbery, Patek Philippe, Vol.2, Second Edition, pp. 218-220, pls. 352-353 a,b,c, and features a drawing of its unique dial by the well-known English Horologist and horological illustrator David Penney.

We are pleased to offer this watch at auction for the first time on behalf of the original owner.