Patek Philippe

18k, damascened nickel lever movement (cal.17-170), stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 18 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, precision regulator, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, cream enamel dial with hand painted miniature polychrome enamel portrait of King Abdul-Al-Aziz lbn Al Saud of Saudi Arabia (signed and numbered by the artist), applied round-cut and baguette-cut ruby-set numerals, subsidiary seconds, case and movement signed, accompanied by an Extract from the Archives

The accompanying Extract from the Patek Philippe Archives confirms that this pocket watch was manufactured in 1956, left the factory with enamel dial, portait miniature of King Saud and ruby hour markers, and was sold on October 31st the same year.

Less than 18 examples of this model with customised dial have been identified from the market. It is understood that between 50 and 150 pieces were ordered in 1955 by the Saudi Patek Philippe retailer in honour of King Saud. It is interesting to note that the outside case back of the watch is signed Patek Philippe so that the dial of the watch can be left entirely for the portrait of King Abdul-Al-Aziz Ibn Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. The portrait of each dial is hand painted and therefore slight differences can be observed in each example. To the best of our knowledge, the present lot is offered for the first time at auction.