Patek Philippe

• cal. 27SC nickel lever movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, mono-metallic compensation balance, 18 jewels, micrometer regulator, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions • enamel dial depicting King Ibn Saud, applied ruby indexes, dauphine hands, sweep center seconds • 18k pink gold hands, faceted bezel, brushed concave band, snap back • 18k pink gold brick-link bracelet • case signed on exterior and interior, bracelet and movement signed

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The case bears some wear, with some light to medium scuffs to the case back and bezel. Considering its age it is in quite nice condition. The case back and band retain a brushed finish and the gold mark on the band is clear and pronounced. The bracelet bears scuffs throughout the surface and clasp. The dial is very clean with no visible hairlines on the enamel and the portrait is beautifully executed. The hands show visible scuffs on their surface. Overall a very attractive and rare piece. The bracelet length is 190mm.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production with portrait, ruby indexes and bracelet in 1956 and sale on October 17th, 1957. Together with Patek Philippe fitted green leather presentation box.

According to our research, the present model was made in a limited edition of about 250 pieces created in pink gold. It was produced as part of a special order from the Patek Philippe retailer in Saudi Arabia to honor King Ibn Saud. The present model is one of approximately twenty pieces to appear at auction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present example has been offered at auction.

Born in 1876, Abdul al Aziz al Saud, known as Ibn Saud, united the lands and tribes of central Arabia, and in 1932 became the first king of modern Saudi Arabia. Under his reign, the Kingdom prospered, especially after the 1938 discovery of oil beneath his sands. Since his death in 1953, the rights to the throne have remained in the hands of his deccendants.

It is interesting to note that the present model is not signed on the dial, and instead bears a signature both on the outside and the inside of the case back. This was done out of respect for King Ibn Saud, so his image would not have to share the dial with the maker's name. It is also important to note that the roughly 250 dials were all hand painted and therefore slight variations can be observed in each example. 

For another example of Ref. 2481 with a different royal portrait, see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, p. 207. For an example of Ref. 2481 with a standard dial, see p. 205 of the same text.