Beschreibung:

Patek Philippe Follow Ref. 2481 A very fine and rare pink gold and ruby-set wristwatch with center seconds, polychrome enamel dial and bracelet, made in homage of King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 1955 37mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Patek Philippe; clasp further signed Gay Frères
Manufacturer : Patek Philippe Year : 1955 Reference No : 2481 Movement No : 704'979 Case No : 689'415 Material : 18K pink gold Calibre : Manual, cal. 27SC, 18 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal Bracelet/Strap : 18K pink gold Patek Philippe bracelet stamped 4.53, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle : 18K pink gold Patek Philippe folding clasp also signed Gay Frères Dimensions : 37mm Diameter Signed : Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Patek Philippe; clasp further signed Gay Frères Accessories : With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1955 with an enamel dial and painted portrait of the King of Saudi Arabia and its subsequent sale on June 29, 1956. Catalogue Essay Watches and wristwatches are one of the most classic gifs in Western society, often given on the most special moments in one’s life: graduations, weddings or professional milestones to name a few. A similar habit has developed during the past century among Middle-Eastern royalties where watches are often gifted to officers, dignitaries, diplomats or members of staff as a token of friendship or appreciation of the monarch. In 1953, Patek Philippe's retailer in Saudi Arabia - Red Sea Trading - placed an order which expands and improves on this concept: Patek Philippe was asked to produce a series of pocket watches ref. 600/1 and wristwatches ref. 2481 bearing a special enamel dial with ruby indexes and featuring the portrait of King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia in commemoration of his accession to the throne in 1953. The watches were delivered over the course of the following years. The fact that the company granted the request can be explained not only by the political importance of the situation celebrated but also by considering King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as a symbol of his nation. This series of timepieces is not only an homage to an important sovereign but also and foremost a celebration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the icon of its ruler. Compounding to this remarkable history the ineffable quality of the enamel dials, the rarity of gem-set Patek Philippe pieces of the time and the overall exceptional condition of both pieces the following lots 151 and 152 are an incredible opportunity not to be missed by the collector of rare and important vintage timepieces. Read More Maker Bio Patek Philippe Swiss • 1839 Follow Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance. Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today. View More Works