Movado - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Movado
    Year: Circa 1950
    Reference No: R9026
    Case No: A101974
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. C90M, jeweled
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    A long standing tradition in Middle-Eastern countries, wristwatches have long been used as tokens of appreciation on behalf of ruling monarchs. The fascination of the Arab world with fine timepieces is further highlighted by the fact that some military institution and governmental departments requested and obtained bespoke timepieces bearing insignia or department names on the dial.

    The present watch perfectly exemplifies this trend. Offered in exceedingly honest condition with an absolutely unpolished case, the dial of this timepiece is personalised with the green Saudi swords and palm at 6 o’clock, and the designation name of the Saudi ruler Abdul Aziz Al Saud, King of the realm from 1932 to 1953, at 12. It is a more than educated guess that the present piece was offered by the King in recognition of services made to the country or possibly as token of friendship to a diplomat.

    Given the overall condition of the watch and the rarity of such a bespoken royal dial, the present watch represents an exceedingly rare value proposition for the collector of rare vintage timepieces.

91

Ref. R9026
A very rare yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bespoke dial, made for Abdul Aziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia

Circa 1950
35mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF2,000 - 4,000 
€1,900-3,700
$2,200-4,400

Sold for CHF7,500

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020