Patek Philippe

Sotheby’s is pleased to offer this highly distinguished timepiece, presented in excellent condition and fresh to the market, from the family of the original recipient, a professional relation of the court of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz al Saud.

The present lot is one of only 200 pieces commissioned through Abdul Rahman Serour of Red Sea, the official Saudi agent for Patek Philippe in the year 1953, in memory of King Abdul Aziz al Saud who had passed away the same year. Each piece was dressed in pink gold, and outfitted with special ruby-set, ivory enamel dials with the upper quadrant decorated with a miniature enamel portrait of the King. It is particularly interesting to note the sensitivity paid to this commission, as these watches omitted the Calatrava cross throughout the case, dial, and movement. The dial features no signs for Patek Philippe at all. Only on the case back do we see the Patek Philippe name as to ensure this royal commission focuses on the King’s young portrait and memory. It is likely that the watch was given as gifts to dignitaries or friends of His Majesty.

Born in 1876, Abdul al Aziz al Saud, known as Ibn Saud, 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.

The Reference 600 was launched in 1957, and was made in a variety of configurations:

-Reference 600 with metal dials

-Reference 600/1, the present reference, with ivory enamel dial

This special Saudi commission changed the Reference 600, as to accommodate the thicker ruby-set enamel dial, the height of the case was updated from 4.8mm to 5.8mm.