PATEK PHILIPPE. A FINE 18K GOLD MANUAL WIND SKELETONZIED WRISTWATCH Model: Ellipse Reference: 3881 Date: Purchased June 18th, 1981 Movement: Cal. 177, 18-jewel manual wind, no. 1'389'150 Dial: Skeletonized, pavé-set diamond Case: Oval, snap on display case back, no. 551'337 Strap/Bracelet: Regulated species Buckle/Clasp: 18k gold buckle Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle Size: 39.5 x 27mm (including lugs) Accompaniments: Maker's presentation box and Extract from the Archive confirming the date of production in 1979 and purchase date Footnotes: Long before skeletonized watches captured modern fascination, Patek Philippe was quietly perfecting and producing them in extremely limited numbers for only the most discerning clients. Beginning in the late 1970s and continuing through the early 1990s, Patek's skeletonized wristwatches were entirely crafted by hand in a specialized atelier, where artisans spent hundreds of hours cutting away bridges, beveling edges, and engraving every remaining surface. Reference 3881 is a particularly evocative example of this golden era. Its movement has been transformed to leaving just enough metal to preserve structural integrity and is decorated with swirling engravings that showcase the human hand behind every line. Small round-cut diamonds set directly onto the semi-skeletonized dial add an additional layer of refinement, gracefully merging haute horlogerie with haute joaillerie. At its core, the watch is powered by the ultra-thin hand-wound Caliber 177, made exponentially more demanding when skeletonized. Through the sapphire crystal, the viewer can admire the full choreography of gears, levers, and escapement, all finished to Patek Philippe's highest standards. According to the Extract, the watch has a total of 94 diamonds, weighing approx. 0.52ct. ***Please note that wristbands made of material of 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 property release or shipping.  This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: Y Y Lot has been identified at the time of cataloguing as made of or containing certain restricted plant or animal material such as tortoiseshell, coral, whalebone, Brazilian rosewood or certain types of reptilian or other exotic skins, fur or feathers woods that may be subject to import or export restrictions or may otherwise require the granting of one or more export or import licenses or certificates, or that may be subject to similar restrictions regulating intrastate or interstate transport or trade within the United States at the state or federal level, or may be banned from export or import altogether by some countries. Please refer to paragraph 10 in the Conditions of Sale or to the Specialist Department managing the auction for details. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing