Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN Hong Kong Monday, November 26, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1956
    Reference No: 2481
    Movement No: 706’377
    Case No: 696’389
    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 3.56, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe folding clasp also signed Gay Frères
    Dimensions: 37mm diameter
    Signed: Case, movement and bracelet signed Patek Philippe; clasp further signed Gay Frères
    Accessories: Accompanied with Patek Philippe green leather fitted presentation box. Further delivered with Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with an enamel dial and painted portrait of the King of Saudi Arabia in 1956 and its subsequent sale on October 17, 1957

  • Catalogue Essay

    Affectionately known by collectors as “King Size”, the refeerence 2481 was introduced into the market in 1950 and was one of the largest wristwatches ever made by Patek Philippe. The model was not only available with the standard silvered dial but also with a cloisonné enamel version, depicting landscapes, maps and even portraits of renowned personalities. The present wristwatch is one of a very small number of timepieces specially commissioned to commemorate the reign of Abdulaziz “Ibn Saud” (1876-1953), King of Saudi Arabia. King Abduaziz “Ibn Saud” was the first monarch and founder of Saudi Arabia. This series of timepieces not only is a celebration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the icon of its ruler, but also reifies the prominence King Abdulaziz “Ibn Saud” as a national symbol.

    Distinguished by its excellent overall condition, the present watch has an ivory-colored enamel dial with the polychrome portrait of King Abdulaziz “Ibn Saud”, applied gold-mounted ruby-set numerals, gold dauphine hands and sweep center seconds. Dissimilar to many other Patek Philippe examples, the dial of the present example is unsigned, which is likely the manufacturer’s way to demonstrate the majesty of the King. The case back, instead, has the engraved signature. The case, movement and bracelet signed Patek Philippe, while clasp further signed Gay Frères – a remarkable bracelet maker of the twentieth century. The magnificent craftsmanship and grandeur of the case is further emphasized by the fact that the present watch is one of the very limited examples of which Patek Philippe employed Bernard Dubois – a renowned Le Locle-based artisan – to make the case, identified by the hammer head (specific to Neuchatel Canton makers) hallmark inside the case back and the number 171 (specific to the case maker).

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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894

Ref. 2481
An extremely fine and rare pink gold and ruby-set wristwatch with center seconds, ivory-colored enamel dial, bracelet and box, made in homage of King Abdulaziz “Ibn Saud”

1956
37mm diameter
Case, movement and bracelet signed Patek Philippe; clasp further signed Gay Frères

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 300,000 
€22,100-33,100
$25,600-38,500

Sold for HK$375,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN

Hong Kong Auction 27 November 2018