Universal - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR Hong Kong Monday, May 29, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: 1953
    Reference No: 106525-3 A
    Case No: 1'747'208
    Material: 18k pink gold
    Calibre: Mechanical, 332, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k pink gold bracelet, 175 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold folding clasp
    Dimensions: 34 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, bracelet with maker's mark
    Accessories: With Universal sales tag and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1953, the Saudi Royal Family ordered a number of watches in memory of King Abdul Aziz al Saud who passed away the same year. The first monarch of The Third Saudi State known as Saudi Arabia, His Highness lived a long life from 1876 to 1953.

    Phillips is honored to present three watches, each made in memory of the esteemed Monarch.

    All examples were manufactured with particular specifications: the watches were fitted with ivory-colored enamel dials and bear the King's portrait at 12 o’clock.

    In addition, all three examples omit the manufacture’s signature the dial, as the King’s portrait is situated at 12 o’clock, enhancing his importance. Instead, the outside case back is signed by the firm, along with the manufacture’s logo.

    Firstly, we present a pink gold wristwatch by Universal Genève. Virtually untouched, it is fitted with an enamel portrait of His Highness and a luxurious pink gold bracelet. Most extraordinary is the presence of the original sales tag and fitted presentation box, which bears the country emblem.

    The second example is a pink gold open face watch featuring ruby-set numerals and a highly realistic enamel portrait of the King of Saudi Arabia on ivory colored enamel. Research shows that it is one of 200 special order open face dress watches.

    Finally, we offer a pink gold wristwatch featuring the same dial. The case is preserved in excellent condition with very strong fluting to the lugs, which reference 2481 is particularly known for.

    Both Patek Philippe watches were ordered by the manufacture’s Saudi agent, Abdul Rahman Serour of Red Sea Trading on behalf of the royal family and given as gifts to dignitaries or friends of His Majesty.

    All three watches are preserved in excellent condition, exhibiting beautiful ivory tones with no visible hairlines or cracks to the dial, which is particularly extraordinary, especially when one considers the age of the watch. It is an honor to offer three very historically interesting and important watches, paying tribute to King Abdul Aziz al Saud.

    This astounding pink gold wristwatch features the portrait of His Highness King Saud bin Abdul Aziz. Presented in completely untouched and unpolished condition, this example is testament to the owner's respect for the His Highness, as well as painstaking care for the timepiece. It is furthermore fitted with a luxurious and heavy integrated pink gold bracelet.

  • Artist Biography

    Universal

    Swiss • 1894

    Universal Genève was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1894 and was originally known as "Universal Watch." Since its inception, Universal Genève has produced watches with unusually high quality for their price point. Universal was among the first brands to introduce a chronograph wristwatch.

    Today, the firm's vintage models are highly sought-after and desired for their oversized cases and interesting dial designs. Key models include a variety of "Compax" models such as the "Nina Rindt" or "Evil Nina," the Uni-Compax, the Space-Compax, the Aero-Compax and the Film-Compax.

    View More Works

852A

Ref. 106525-3 A
A highly rare and exceptionally preserved pink gold bracelet watch with enamel dial depicting His Highness King Saud bin Abdul Aziz

1953
34 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed, bracelet with maker's mark

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 320,000 
€19,300-38,500
$20,000-40,000

Sold for HK$200,000

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: FOUR

Hong Kong Auction 30 May 2017