Important Watches

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 2425. Reference 844 | A very fine and rare yellow gold minute repeating openface keyless lever watch with linear perpetual calendar and moon phases, Circa 1970.

Patek Philippe

Reference 844 | A very fine and rare yellow gold minute repeating openface keyless lever watch with linear perpetual calendar and moon phases, Circa 1970

Session begins in

September 18, 07:00 AM GMT

Estimate

480,000 - 800,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Patek Philippe

Reference 844

A yellow gold minute repeating openface keyless lever watch with linear perpetual calendar and moon phases, Circa 1970

Dial: silvered matte dial, linear triple apertures for month, date and day, subsidiary seconds combined with aperture for moon phases

Calibre: cal. 17''', mechanical, 29 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, wolf's tooth winding, 31 jewels

Movement number: 197'909

Case: 18k yellow gold, stepped bezel, snap on case back

Case number: 316'546

Size: 51 mm diameter

Signed: dial, case and movement

Accessories: none

Reference 844 is one of the last Patek Philippe pocket watch series powered by vintage movements while housed in a modern case, which appeals to wristwatch collectors.

Patek Philippe's linear calendar displays can be traced back to as early as 1880. However, due to limited commercial success, their production remained extremely limited. It was not until the 1940s that the American market developed a strong preference for this clean and highly legible display format, earning it the nickname "American Calendar." Each calendar module for Reference 844 was crafted by a three-person team led by Henri D. Piguet, the great-grandson of Victorin Piguet. As a result, each movement embodies the accumulated wisdom of three generations of the Piguet family: the design of the first generation, the production of the second, and the refinement of the third.

The case design of Reference 844 remains remarkably forward-looking even today. Its stepped case is bold and substantial, yet rich in detail and refinement. All cases for Reference 844 were produced by the renowned casemaker Antoine Gerlach (1934-1977), whose exceptional craftsmanship contributed to many iconic models, including References 96, 3448, and 2553. The sandblasted silvered dial with hard-enamel scales was supplied by Stern Frères, the very company upon which the Stern family built its enduring legacy. From every perspective, Reference 844 represents a synthesis of the finest talents and resources across the watchmaking industry of its time.

百達翡麗型號844

黃金三問懷錶，備線性萬年曆及月相，約1970年製

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."