Patek Philippe

18k, damascened nickel lever movement with wolf's tooth winding, bi-metallic Crausaz compensation balance, cam wheel regulation, gold cuvette with enamel roundel depicting a gentleman in ceremonial military uniform, signed white enamel dial, roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, polished case with milled rounded bezels, the back centred with a monogram, inside case back signed and numbered, chronograph pusher through the crown, chronograph locking slide in the band, accompanied by Certificate of Origin, presentation case and an Extract from the Archives.

The accompanying Certificate of Origin details the enamel painted cuvette and the monogram to case back and is dated Geneva, April 23rd 1890. The Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives confirms that this watch was manufactured in 1888 and sold on April 23rd, 1890.

The portrait is that of King Umberto of Italy who reigned from 14th March 1844 until 29th July 1900. He was the son of Vittorio Emanuele II and Adelaide, Archduchess of Austria. Umberto married the Princess of Savoy and had a son who later became Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. Increasingly unpopular during his reign there were several attempts on his life and he was finally assassinated on 29th July, 1900.