Patek Philippe

• 19''' jeweled gilt lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, wolf's tooth winding, 18k yellow gold cuvette • white dial, Roman numerals, blued steel spade hands, recessed subsidiary seconds • 18k yellow gold case, the reverse with translucent carmine enamel with loss over engine-turning, centered by Cyrillic cipher ornamentation in white enamel and engraved Bulgarian crown • case, dial, cuvette and movement signed

Presented by Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria to original owner
Sotheby's Amsterdam, Property from Aristocratic Families, October 2007, lot 607

The movement is not running and will need to be serviced. The dial has some light dirt on it, however it does not appear to have any hairlines. The case shows general wear throughout. There is some damage and loss to the red enamel on the back of the watch (visible in the illustration) as well as some loss to the white enamel. Overall the watch is unusual and interesting with its royal provenance.
"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 a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production with present ornamentation and engraved Bulgarian crown in 1889 and sale on July 17th, 1890.

Born in Vienna in 1861, Ferdinand I was crowned Prince Regent of Bulgaria in 1886. When the country declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908, he became Tsar of Bulgaria. He abdicated the throne following Bulgaria's 1918 defeat in World War I.

An identical watch with the movement number 83878 was exhibited in the Patek Philippe Museum Exhibition, 'Timepieces for Royalty' in fall 2005. It is published in the exhibition catalogue by curator Arnaud Tellier on p. 107, with discussion of Tsar Ferdinand and other watches he commissioned on pp. 106-115. It is interesting to note that the present lot and the matching published example are consecutively numbered, and both are recorded with the same date of sale in Patek Philippe's Archives.

The Tsar's fascination with machinery, one that extended from automobiles to the intricate workings of Patek Philippe's creations, is well-documented. The exhibition catalogue relates a humorous anecdote in which Ferdinand demanded to conduct the Orient Express train himself, resulting in a less-than-luxurious ride for the passengers onboard.