PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 5205WHITE GOLD ANNUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH 24-HOUR INDICATION, MOON PHASES AND FRENCH CALENDAR MADE IN 2011

Dial: black slate, french calendar discsCalibre: cal. 324 S QA LU 24H automatic, 34 jewelsMovement number: 5'556'008Case: 18k white gold, snap-on sapphire crystal display backCase number: 4'519'616Closure: Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k white gold buckleDimensions: 40 mm Signed: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe certificate of origin, booklets, setting pin, presentation case and Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on March 8th, 2011

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing and the calendar advancing. CASE: in great condition with light surface wear. DIAL: is in great condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

Released in 2010, the white gold reference 5205 welcomed some pleasing changes in aesthetic to Patek Philippe’s annual calendar watches. The case at 40mm in diameter bears hollow lugs giving the watch a sporty feel on the wrist. Similarly the dial had been modernised, and where once there were subsidiary dials to display the month, day and date, there are instead three apertures at 10, 12 and 2. Furthermore, the reference was initially launched with two dial options, black slate, as with the present watch, and opaline white both of which have now been discontinued. Interestingly, the present lot has a particularly rare feature that may indeed make it unique among the others that share its reference. The day and month wheels on this particular watch are in French. This was changed on the very special request of the current and original owner, requiring approval from the Stern Family themselves. From documentation provided to Sotheby’s, this replacement took nearly two years to facilitate. Quite charmingly this feature, as rare as it is, perfectly complements the references existing digital feature. It is a conversation starter and, to the discerning eye, an additional level of complexity to an already interesting and beautiful watch. It is all very much in the detail and this will surely catch the attention and command the appreciation of fellow collectors.