50 - PATEK PHILIPPE: REF. 540, 18K YELLOW GOLD A rare 18k yellow gold manual-wind wristwatch with stepped hooded lugs, black dial and subsidiary seconds.

PATEK PHILIPPE: REF. 540, 18K YELLOW GOLD A rare 18k yellow gold manual-wind wristwatch with stepped hooded lugs, black dial and subsidiary seconds. Year: Circa 1938 Dial: Reprinted black dial with applied yellow-gold faceted hour markers, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and yellow-gold Dauphine hands, signed PATEK PHILIPPE GENÈVE. Calibre: Patek Philippe manual-wind calibre 12-120, 18 jewels, rhodium-plated, signed and numbered 828406. Case: 18k yellow gold three-body circular case with distinctive straight hooded lugs featuring semicircular stepped decoration, snap-on case back, signed, numbered 295439. Diameter: 30 mm Gross Weight: Approx. 35.1 g Bracelet/Strap: Patek Philippe black lizard leather strap with later gold-plated pin buckle, adjustable. Signature: Dial, movement and case. Condition Report: Overall grade: Fair to Good. Case: Surface scratches, scuffs and marks consistent with age and use. Geneva Hallmark clear on the side of the case. Slightly polished. Dial: Reprinted black dial. Surface and printing appear generally clean, with minor imperfections visible on close inspection. The dial should be regarded as refinished and not in its original factory finish. Glass: Surface scratches and wear consistent with age. Movement: Running at the time of cataloguing; not tested for timekeeping. Movement shows age-related wear and oxidation in places. Bracelet/Strap: Patek Philippe black lizard leather strap with signs of wear and creasing. Later gold-plated pin buckle. Crown: Patek Philippe signed crown with surface wear consistent with age. CITES Notice: The strap is made of a material subject to CITES regulations. Adam’s will not export CITES-controlled straps outside the European Union. Where a lot is purchased for delivery outside the EU, the strap will be removed and retained at Adam’s for collection by the purchaser or their representative, or for subsequent delivery to an address within the European Union. Running at the time of cataloguing. Overhaul recommended at buyer’s expense. We do not test any watches for their accuracy and as such, timekeeping cannot be guaranteed. All lots are sold as is, without any representation or warranty as to their condition or function. Condition Reports are provided for guidance only and may not refer to all imperfections, restorations, or replacements. Prospective buyers are responsible for ensuring they are completely satisfied with the condition of the lot before bidding. Although Adam’s endeavours to note any replacement parts in our Condition Reports, we cannot confirm that each component is original, or that any replacements are made using original manufacturer parts. Among the most fascinating creations of Patek Philippe are its unusual case designs of the 1930s and 1940s, when the manufacture explored shapes and proportions with remarkable creativity. Introduced in 1937, the rare ref. 540 is distinguished by its extraordinary stepped hooded lugs, whose sculptural, Art Deco-inspired construction gives an otherwise classical round watch an unmistakable character. Crafted in 18k yellow gold and fitted with the celebrated manually wound calibre 12-120, the present example retains all the architectural appeal of this exceptional reference, despite its subsequently repainted dial. A wonderful illustration of Patek Philippe’s creativity beyond conventional round case designs.